Neath V Llandovery
6th December 2003

MATCH REPORT

NEATH 11 LLANDOVERY 10 (by Phil Space)

Neath are not translating their outstanding away form into displays on The Gnoll and the Blacks were lucky to come away with the points from this one !

A day of frustration ended with Neath the narrowest of winners thanks to an early try by No.8 Hywel Jenkins and two penalties by outside-half Chris Anderson as against a try by replacement Eifion Gwynne converted by full back Ricky Williams who also kicked a penalty.

Don't take anything away from the visitors who did their utmost to stop Neath but the Blacks ought to have done more and will definitely have to when it comes to the Cup game at Llandovery on December 27.

So what is it about The Gnoll that inhibits Neath ?

Only against Newport - and how ! - have the Blacks turned it on at home. Certainly our travelling fans see to it that there is a good atmosphere when we go away but, with few opposing fans coming to Neath, there is little banter these days.

It seems that Neath respond to the crowd's mood - there was total encouragement against Newport so that must be repeated in forthcoming key games against Carmarthen and Aberavon.

Totally beyond our control, the game against Carmarthen has been switched to 5.30 pm but the club are hoping to build a party atmosphere with 500 tickets given out to local schools and clubs and extra entertainment laid on commencing at 5.00 pm.

So get down to The Gnoll and make a noise - Neath needs you and plenty of noise !

Neath :- P.Bamsey; R.Carter, Mike Jones, J.Leyshon, G.John; C.Anderson, P.Horgan (captain); A.Howell, A.Littlehales, A.Edwards; Mark Jones, L.Bateman; B.Sinkinson, H.Jenkins, J.McPhail
Replacements :- R.Lewis (Resolfen), R.Morgan, D.Poland, I.Ohlssen, B.Davies, T.Davies, A.Llewellyn

Glen Ball presenting John McPhail with his man of the match tankard

Rowland Phillips presents a Neath Jersey to visiting National side - Slovenia, who beat Vardre the previous Monday

Slovenian visitors enjoy the pre-match hospitality at Neath Rugby prior to the Llandovery match.