Neath V Cross Keys
Saturday 17th January 2004

MATCH REPORT

NEATH 52 CROSS KEYS 29 (by Phil Space)
The Blacks turned on the first half power to overcome Cross Keys in a 12-try dazzler at The Gnoll on Saturday.

The Gnoll was in wonderful condition despite the previous night's Ospreys game and the two sides served up a positive performance to match.

Keys entered the match on the back of a successful run and they scored first when full back Darren Miles kicked a penalty but the Blacks were soon into their stride and scored six first-half tries to lead 38-10.

Although two or three other chances eluded them, Neath's passing and support play was better than much we have seen at regional level this year and Cross Keys entered into the spirit in a fast game.

Full back Paul Bamsey had a fine game, safe in the catch, and his sinewy running brought him two tries. Kevin James marked his first game back at The Gnoll with a try between the posts, centre Wayne Mitchell's often unobtrusive work was rewarded with a fifth try of the season and the entire front row of Paul Jones, Andrew Littlehales and Andrew Howell all crossed.

But the try that brought the biggest cheer of the day was that scored by coach Rowland Phillips making his sixth start of the season. He may be a bit broader around the middle than in his heyday but he has width too where it counts - between the ears - and his clever dummying and off-loading was a real lesson for the youngsters.

Matthew Jones (4) and Chris Anderson (2) kicked conversions and Neath actually crossed the line twice more in the second-half only to be denied by referee Tony Rowlands (Treorchy) who nevertheless controlled affairs in a sympathetic manner that made for a flowing encounter.

Keys showed plenty of spirit that will hold them in good stead in the Cup against Newport and, even if the Blacks took their foot off the gas in the second-half, they were rewarded with four tries from Ben Watkins, Dai Price, Tyrone Morris and Mark McKee, Miles converting three. Neath are level with Newport at the top of the table but the Rodneys still have two games in hand. Next Saturday, the Blacks switch their attention to the Cup when those redoubtable Cup fighters Pontypool visit The Gnoll (2.30 pm).

Neath v Cross Keys :- P.Bamsey; K.James, J.Storey, W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; Matthew Jones, R.Morgan; P.Jones (captain), A.Littlehales, A.Howell; M.Jones, L.Bateman; A.Llewellyn, R.Phillips J.McPhail Replacements :- J.Leyshon, C.Anderson, P.Horgan, C.Griffiths, D.Poland, T.Davies, B.Sinkinson

Andy Llewellyn (left) being presented with his man of the match tankard for the Cross Keys match, on Saturday 17th Jan 2004 , by Neath-Swansea Ospreys scrum half Andy Williams