Neath V Cross Keys
Saturday 1st October 2005, 2.30pm Kick-Off.

MATCH REPORT (by Al Black)

NEATH 45 CROSS KEYS 0
Neath knocked Cross Keys off the top of the Premiership with their best display yet as they ran in seven tries without reply.

Cross Keys arrived at The Gnoll with a record of defensive perfection - but it did not take Neath long to show the difference between champions and aspirants.

Keys' proud record of not having conceded a try in four games to date lasted just 18 seconds as Neath kicked off towards the Shed and scrum-half Patrick Horgan charged down a Keys' relieving kick to score.

Cross Keys briefly showed why they had been successful against Bedwas, Llandovery, Llanelli and Swansea with some quick inter-passing but Neath's defence around the fringes was rock-solid and when Keys were panicked into error the Blacks pounced and winger Richard Johnston raced away for their their second try.

The visitors continued to show plenty of fire and seemed to be keen to make an impression on Gerwyn Price who left them in May but Neath hit them with two tries before halftime.

First, wing Aled Brew marked his first appearance of the season after helping The Ospreys by sending centre Aled Bevan through a gap to score and next co- centre James Hook danced his way through for a glorious try, adding the conversion points to both to give the Blacks a 24-nil halftime advantage.

After the interval, prop Cai Griffiths who for some reason frequently earned the displeasure of referee Tim Hayes (Carmarthen) was yellow carded but the outstanding Neath defence held Keys out.

With Neath down to 14 men, Keys fly-half Scott Mitchell dangerously-tackled Arwel Thomas and was sent from the field but Thomas, who enjoyed another fine game, responded by dancing through the Keys defence to score at the posts for Hook to convert.

Despite being on the receiving end of an 8-18 penalty count, the Blacks kept up the pressure and winger Johnston sped over for his second try - Neath's sixth - and Hook converted before full-back Gareth Morris rounded things off with their seventh, Hook taking his daily tally to 15 points.

Although Keys avoided last season's 89-10 calamity, the loss of their record in such telling proportions must have been almost as catastrophic for them. Coach Rob Beale said they were "out-muscled" by Neath whose forwards led by man-of-the-match Paul Jones scrummaged strongly, fought the gain-line with determination and held sway at the linesout. Behind the scrum too Neath played with pace and invention.

The win set up a huge week for Neath as they prepare for the assault on Newport's ground record. Beating the leaders was great, beating Newport on their own patch would be a real statement of intent !

(Picture: Left: WIN PUTS A SMILE ON ROWLANDS FACE - Keep up the good Work! - Colin)

Neath - G.Morris; A.Brew, A.Bevan, J.Hook, R.Johnston; A.Thomas (J.Spratt), P.Horgan; P.Jones (C.Mitchell), G.Price (A.Littlehales), C.Griffiths; S.Martin, M.Morgan; T.Smith (A.Llewellyn), D.McShane (B.Davies), J.McPhail (S.Pengelly). Other Replacement - M.Roberts