Cross Keys V Neath
Saturday 29th October 2004

MATCH REPORT (by Phil Space)

CROSS KEYS 15 NEATH 32
Neath went three points clear at the top of the Welsh Premier Division after overcoming the potential banana-skin that is Cross Keys at Pandy Park.

Playing with the slope, Cross Keys had the better of the first half after Neath had taken the lead with a gem of a try by full back Neil Clapham who received an inside pass from centre Andrew Bishop to score at the posts and outside-half James Hook converted.

But Keys, effective at rucks and mauls where they denied Neath quick ball, upped their game and nudged ahead through two close-range tries from full back Darren Miles and captain Tyron Morris who appeared against Neath on permit for Caerphilly in last year's Cup Final.

Neath seemed to be coming more into the game before halftime and a three-point lead at 10-7 never looked enough for Keys.

The Blacks started the second-half strongly and full back Clapham skated over for his 11th try of the season on the end of a cut-out pass from replacement centre Dave Tiueti. Hook converted then added a penalty to put the visitors firmly in control.

Things got even better for the Blacks when hooker Huw Bennett crossed for his first try for Neath from a forward rumble but Neath should have scored twice more when Tiueti missed the ball with the line open and skipper Gareth Morris just got in front of an Aled Brew pass.

Throughout Keys showed plenty of the spirit that brought them a prized victory over Newport earlier in the season and they got their third try - a solo effort from centre Gareth Turner.

But, as if to emphasise their superiority, Neath had the last word when lively lock Ian Evans galloped over for his third try of the season - Neath's 50th in the League this term - and Hook converted.

The Blacks now move on to Wednesday's home game against Llanharan at The Gnoll (7.15pm) and they will find the Mid-Glamorgan side well prepared for the occasion as they have not played for the last two weeks.

Neath v Cross Keys - Neil Clapham; Aled Brew, Andrew Bishop, Wayne Mitchell (Dave Tiueti), Gareth Morris (captain); James Hook, Mark Davies (Martin Roberts); Andrew Howell, Huw Bennett, Cai Griffiths (Craig Mitchell); Ian Evans, Chris Gittins; Andrew Llewellyn, Lee Beach (Aiono Senio), John McPhail (Hywel Jenkins)

* The squad and management wish to thank all those fans who made the journey to Cross Keys on Saturday and helped towards a rare Saturday evening win away from home.