Newport V Neath
Saturday, 8th October 2005, 2.30pm KO.

MATCH REPORT (Al Black)

(Photographs by Julian Brock)

NEWPORT 9 NEATH 19
Magnificent Neath pulled off arguably the best result since the club game in Wales went semi-pro when they captured Newport's 39-match ground record with a totally committed display that subdued the home team and stunned the home crowd into submission.

This was old-fashioned stuff as the two Premiership flag-bearers were prepared to yield not an inch. Contrary to some press reports, this was an immense, intense affair - ask any of those who played in it or were close to it - the only thing that was lacking was flowing back play but neither side was prepared to risk it.

The scorecard reflected the intensity as home full back Dan Griffiths and Neath centre James Hook traded penalties : 0-3, 3-3, 3-6, 6-6. 9-6, 12-6, 12-9 before Jonathan Spratt's wonderful last gasp try and James Hook's splendid conversion made it 19-9.

There was much to admire about both side's play. Neath's scrum was better than Newport who took the lineout honours, prop Cai Griffiths and his front-row made their presence felt and the doggedness of the Neath back-row of McPhail, McShane and (Mc ?)Smith fought for everything.

Behind them, experienced halves the indestructible Horgan and Arwel Thomas were a model of "go forward" excellence against the promising home pair of Ireland and Aled Thomas. Richard Payne and Rhys Shorney were thrustful centres for Newport but was held in check by Aled Bevan and Hook who also blasted an exocet-like dropped goal between the posts just as the whistle went for an infringement.

With the defences on top, there were ball spillages aplenty and the kicking game employed by both sides made for a classic tight encounter. Impressive referee Neil Ballard (Cardiff) and his touch-judges did well to maintain control and impartiality in the face of the 2,000 or so no-doubt WRU qualified referees who these days comprise the Rodney Parade crowd.

In fact, the team of officials showed considerably more restraint than did home coach David Rees whose frustrations, egged on by the over-the-top home support, got the better of him and his touchline tantrums may land him in deep water.

Pretty it wasn't but it was a famous win and the Neath camp reflected in quiet satisfaction upon a job well done on the Premiership's best who had given their season's top effort to date and who will not lose many more at Rodney Parade.

Make no mistake, this was a huge performance by the All Blacks; it was the stuff championships are made of - not that anyone in the Neath camp was expressing that premature thought as the Blacks face up to another testing Gwent challenge on Saturday when they visit Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park !

Neath v Newport - G.Morris; J.Spratt, A.Bevan, J.Hook, R.Johnston; A.Thomas, P.Horgan; P.Jones (C.Mitchell), A.Littlehales (E.Shervington), C.Griffiths; S.Martin, M.Morgan; T.Smith (A.Llewellyn), D.McShane, J.McPhail Other Replacements - D.Pittard, A.Howell, B.Davies, A.Senio