Neath V Glamorgan County
Monday 16th February 2004

MATCH REPORT

NEATH 46 GLAMORGAN COUNTY 7 (by Phil Space)
Neath ran in seven tries to overcome a game Glamorgan County XV at The Gnoll on Monday evening.

Threequarters Kevin James and John Leyshon were the only regulars in a youthful and experimental Neath side that was led by hooker Andrew Littlehales who, at just 20 years of age, became one of Neath's youngest-ever captains.

The County side comprised emerging players mainly from Pontypridd, Swansea and Aberavon and they made the young Blacks work hard for victory, limiting the home side to just a penalty by outside-half James Hook in the first half hour.

But Neath struck decisively for three tries before halftime, No.8 Alan Powell, centre John Leyshon and flanker Simon Peters scoring with Hook converting Leyshon's effort for a 20-nil halftime advantage.

The Blacks introduced more young replacements after the break as did the County and Neath's lead was increased by wing Richard Carter, Hook converting.

Probably the best try of the night came from a sweeping movement in front of the stand involving Carter and centre Aled Bevan and finished by the hard-working Peters.

After a period of pressure, Glamorgan got a score they richly deserved when Aberavon centre Darren Ryan went over from close range and Swansea outside-half James Horner converted. But Neath finished stronger with tries by Bevan and Hook who added his fourth conversion for 16 points in the game.

** The Blacks visit Whitland in the Welsh Cup on Saturday, February 28 and supporters wishing to travel on offical transport should reserve their places via the Club Office on 01639.769660.

Neath v Glamorgan County :- R.Lewis; K.James, A.Bevan, J.Leyshon, R.Carter; J.Hook, R.Morgan; A.W.Davies, A.Littlehales (captain), I.Ohlssen; A.Jones, G.Evans; J.McKenna, A.Powell, S.Peters Replacements :- A.Roberts, G.Hooper, M.Jones, A.Edwards, J.Jones, R.Hopkins, C.Moses, D.Thomas