Ebbw Vale V Neath
Saturday 7th February 2004

MATCH REPORT

EBBW VALE 12 NEATH 35 (by Phil Space)
The Blacks eased back into action with this handsome victory at Eugene Cross Park over League basement club Ebbw Vale who showed plenty of fight but were always losing the battle.

Vale made a boisterous start against the Neath team that would have done duty in the postponed Pontypool match. Helped by the over-active whistle of Mr. Lynn Davies (Porth), the home side kept Neath in check for much of the first half but the Blacks showed their class in setting up a try by wing Richard Johnston who latched on to a well-placed Matthew Jones kick. They also added a penalty try when Vale infringed after a tap penalty.

Matthew Jones converted the latter and kicked two penalties to two goals by Vale's international Byron Hayward and Neath led 18-6 at halftime.

Playing with the slope, Vale started the second-half strongly and threatened briefly at 18-12 thanks to two more Hayward goals before Jones popped over his third kick. The young outside-half then conjured up a brilliant solo try to finally end Vale's hopes and added the conversion points for good measure.

Vale were never going to make up the deficit and they conceded a second penalty try when ex-Gwent Dragons scrum-half Shelbourne went hopelessly offside as the Neath pack drove Vale back at a scrum on their own line. Jones' third conversion made for a personal haul of 20 points and a convincing win for the Blacks.

On Wednesday (7.15pm), Neath go on a vengeance mission to Llanelli, one of just two teams to have beaten them this season. The Blacks must win because they remain level at the top with Newport who edged another win at Carmarthen Quins on Saturday. Newport's games in hand give them the advantage but the Blacks are keen to keep up the pressure.

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