Llanelli V Neath
Wednesday 11th February 2004

MATCH REPORT

LLANELLI 24 NEATH 33 (by Phil Space)
A stirring second-half display by the All Blacks forwards proved too much for a lively Llanelli side as Neath earned their first League win at Stradey Park since 1996/97.

Neath were well below their best in the first half and they could have been further behind than the 14-13 halftime score. Twenty minutes into the game and against the run of play, outside-half Chris Anderson kicked a penalty and converted a try by wing Richard Johnston to send the Blacks into a 10-nil lead. But, with flanker Andy Llewellyn sin-binned, Llanelli pounced for tries by centre Richard Davies and flanker Ioan Cunningham, outside half Jason Davies (on permit from Felinfoel) converting both. Davies had missed three penalty attempts but just before the break Anderson showed how it should be done with his second penalty.

An early second-half Anderson-Davies penalty-exchange made it 16-17 before Neath took command. Kevin James continually punched holes in the home defence and his good work set up the position from which Johnston went side-stepping to the posts for his second try that Anderson converted.

Neath summoned Tom Davies, Paul Jones and Brett Sinkinson from the bench and their pack took almost complete control in the final quarter with Andrew Howell, Darren Poland and Mark Jones always a force. The sin-binning of Llanelli lock Chris Rowe signalled the end of their resistance and when Anderson banged over his fourth penalty the churlish home crowd (who have several times been admonished by the club's adminstration) responded with childish chants of "Newport, Newport". Indeed, the home supporters seem to be enduring something of an identity crisis as they earlier chanted "Scarlets" which is, of course, the name of the regional side for that patch.

The Blacks did not let it bother them as a speculative kick by centre John Leyshon was spilled by Daniel Rogers and Anderson was on hand to pinch Neath's third try and he converted superbly from the left touchline for a match-haul of 23 points.

Neath threw everything into attack in search of 40 points but Llanelli stole the ball and speedy wing Viv Jenkins raced out of defence to score a try that Davies converted. It ended another thrilling Premier League game that owed much of its enjoyment factor to referee Neil Ballard (Cardiff) who allowed the game to develop at pace.

The Blacks thus kept up the pressure on title-rivals Newport who edged another win 30-24 against Pontypridd. But Neath are right there with them and the Gwent side's toughest spell lies ahead in April when they visit Bridgend, Aberavon and Caerphilly and have to play Neath again.

** The Blacks are next in action on Monday (7.15pm) when Glamorgan County come to The Gnoll. Admission is £ 5 to all parts but Under-12's are FREE.

Neath v Llanelli :- P.Bamsey; K.James, J.Leyshon, W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; C.Anderson, P.Horgan (captain); A.Howell, D.Poland, I.Ohlssen; Mark Jones, G.Evans; A.Llewellyn, S.Phillips J.McPhail Replacements :- Mike Jones, R.Morgan, P.Jones, A.Littlehales, T.Davies, R.Phillips, B.Sinkinson