Neath V Penallta
Saturday 18th December 2004, 1.30pm KO

MATCH REPORT (by Phil Space)

(Photographs by Julian Brock)

NEATH 66 PENALLTA 7
Neath cruised through to the last 32 of the Konica Minolta Welsh Cup and a home tie with Penclawdd on January 22nd but it was not all plain sailing and Penallta did themselves proud and put up a brave and enterprising performance against the Cup holders.

The Blacks were first to score when lock Ian Evans galloped across for his fourth try of the season and James Hook converted but Penallta levelled with a try from a lineout ploy by flanker Chris Harris, outside-half Gareth Davies converting.

Gradually though the Neath youngsters got on top and further first-half tries ensued from Andy Littlehales, the hard-working Tom Smith, James Davies and Nick Jones, Hook converting all to give the Blacks a 35-7 halftime lead.

The Blacks continued their merry way in the second-half as five more tries were levied by Aled Bevan (2), James Hook, Paul Jones and finally prop Craig Mitchell who, moments earlier, had been declared (with admirable foresight) man of the match by Dr. Brendan Sheehan. Hook (2) and David Evans kicked second-half conversions but Penallta's second-half spirit deserved more and they spurned kickable penalties in the pursuit of tries.

Neath v Penallta :- Neil Clapham; Nick Jones, Aled Bevan, Andrew Bishop, Richard Johnston; James Hook (David Evans), Martin Roberts (Mark Davies); Paul Jones, Andy Littlehales (Ed Shervington), Craig Mitchell; Chris Gittins, Ian Evans; Andy Llewellyn (Ben Davies), Tom Smith (Steve Martin) James Davies (John McPhail) Replacements - Gareth Morris, Andrew Howell

Prop Craig Michell receives his Man of the Match award from Neath Medic, Dr Sheehan