Llanelli V Neath Wednesday 20th December 2004, 7.15pm KO
MATCH REPORT
(by Phil Space)
LLANELLI 23 NEATH 13 After 15
straight League successes, Neath's invincible record finally fell at the
halfway stage when they went down to a committed and delighted Llanelli side at
Stradey Park. Neath's chances of victory probably disappeared in the first-half
when scrum-half Mark Davies was sent-off for seemingly attempting to stamp on
Llanelli's Chris Rowe whose misdemeanours went largely unpunished.
It must be said too that Neath did not
enjoy the rub of the green for Llanelli's try came via the head of full back
Lee Byrne and it was converted by Ceiron Thomas who also kicked two penalties
and dropped a goal. James Hook succeeded with a penalty after missing three
earlier attempts.
16-3 in arrears, to their credit, Neath's
valiant 14 threw everything at Llanelli in the second-half when Hook landed two
penalties and full back Neil Clapham crossed for his 15th try after a patient
build-up. Having fought back to 16-13 it was very much in the melting-pot but
Hook just missed two more kicks and Neath's chance had gone.
In injury-time, Llanelli extended their
lead with a try by replacement Gavin Evans and a penalty by Thomas. It was not
Neath's night but "Wait till they to come to The Gnoll !" was the defiant
message from the All Blacks' camp. Llanelli are now level with Neath on 15 wins
but the Blacks have two games in hand as well as the small matter of a 23-try
advantage.
Neath v Llanelli :- Neil Clapham; Aled
Brew; Andrew Bishop, Wayne Mitchell, Gareth Morris (captain); James Hook, Mark
Davies (Patrick Horgan); Paul Jones, Andy Littlehales, Cai Griffiths; Steve
Martin, Ian Evans (Chris Gittins); John McPhail (Andy Llewellyn), Hywel
Jenkins, Lee Beach Replacements - Aled Bevan, Craig Mitchell, Ed Shervington,
Tom Smith

Neath Rugby Official Website - © 2006
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