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