Neath V Ebbw Vale
Monday, 27th October 2003

MATCH REPORT

Neath are second in the Welsh Premiership behind Newport following Saturday's comfortable win over Ebbw Vale at The Gnoll.

The Blacks dominated most of the game with the pack looking full of energy and effort and Vale were never really in it.

Flanker John McPhail, never far off man-of-the-match, went over for Neath's first try and outside-half Matthew Jones dropped a goal before Vale opened their account with a penalty by ex-Wales fly-half Byron Hayward.

But the Neath forwards got their driving game going and No.8 Hywel Jenkins crossed for a try from a close-range scrum. Jones added the conversion points then traded penalties with Hayward-Jones to make it 18-6 at halftime.

In the second-half, Neath extended their lead when McPhail grabbed his second try that Jones converted before right wing Richard Carter flew in at the corner for his first try of the campaign.

Matthew Jones landed penalties either side of Vale's only try by former Neath wing Kevin James who has been farmed out to first Caerphilly and now Vale by the Gwent Dragons.

Neath finished with a fifth try by hooker Andrew Littlehales, Jones converting for 18 points on the day, 74 this season.

This was Neath's 10th win from 12 starts this season and the Blacks are in action twice this week at Bridgend (Wednesday - 7.15) and Caerphilly (Saturday - 2.30 pm).

Transport is arranged for supporters who should book their places on 01639.769660.

Neath :- P.Bamsey; R.Carter, J.Leyshon, W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; Matthew Jones, R.Morgan; P.Jones (Captain), A.Littlehales, A.Edwards; T.Davies, B.Davies; B.Sinkinson, H.Jenkins, J.McPhail

Replacements :- Mike Jones, C.Anderson, O.Gustafson, A.Howell, D.Poland, R.Phillips, A.Llewellyn