Neath 37 Newport 8
Saturday November 15th 2003

MATCH REPORT

Neath 37 Newport 8 (by Phil Space)
Neath put the horrors of Bedwas firmly behind them when they deprived Newport of their unbeaten record at The Gnoll in no uncertain terms. Gone was the stuttering, unambitious approach of the previous week; instead there was a proper All Black display of passion, pride and total commitment.

Outside-half Matthew Jones got things on the road with a penalty from halfway after two minutes before Newport countered with a try by ex-Neath Under-21's wing Craig Richards who latched on to a well-placed kick by centre Rhys Shorney.

With Mark Jones in the bin for an alleged "swinging arm", Neath held out Newport then Jones landed his second penalty before planting a kick that wings Gareth Morris and Richard Johnston made the most of for Neath's first try. Johnston scored it, Jones improved it and Neath were 13-5 to the good.

Restored to full numbers, the Neath pack were setting the pace with props Paul Jones and Andrew Howell in the van of several powerful surges. Lyndon Bateman looked eager to play and was prominent in all phases and the back-row trio worked hard in setting up countless turnovers. It was no surprise when Jones kicked his third penalty (another from halfway) to make it 16-5 at halftime.

Newport restarted strongly and earned a dropped goal by scrum-half Llyr Lane but there was no holding Neath as centre Mike Jones and scrum-half Pat Horgan (man-of-the-match) pounced for tries that Jones converted.

At 30-7, Neath were not yet done and another strategic kick by Jones was gathered by Johnston who skinned Newport full back Tuipulotu to score at the posts and Jones converted for a 17 points personal bag.

Neath now trail Newport by 3 points and are in second place, 1 point ahead of Aberavon who beat Pontypridd. On Saturday, Aberavon travel to Newport where something has to give but Neath will need another top-drawer display to win at Pontypridd who, on the back of 4 straight wins, made Aberavon battle all the way at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

Neath :- A.Durston; R.Johnston, Mike Jones, W.Mitchell, G.Morris; Matthew Jones, P.Horgan; P.Jones (captain), A.Littlehales, A.Howell; Mark Jones, L.Bateman; B.Sinkinson, H.Jenkins, J.McPhail

Replacements (all employed) :- J.Leyshon, R.Morgan, C.Griffiths, D.Poland, A.Llewellyn, R.Phillips

MOTM presentation for the Newport match on Saturday November 15th, with scrum half Patrick Horgan receiving his award from Ospreys centre and former Neath RFC favourite, Dave Tiueti