Neath V Penclawdd
Saturday 22nd January 2005, 2.30pm KO

MATCH REPORT (by Phil Space)

NEATH 59 PENCLAWDD 8
Neath advanced safely into the last 16 of the Konica-Minolta Welsh Cup but little Penclawdd can take great heart from their contribution to a game that, despite the dreadful weather conditions, provided plenty of entertainment for the hardy, yet appreciative, fans.

Penclawdd put up a tremendous fight particularly in the first-half when they restricted Neath to 19-8, full back Andrew Griffiths skating over for a try and outside-half Rhys Williams kicking a penalty for the visitors. Their impressive back row of Stuart John, Stuart Barrow and old war-horse Richard Francis were especially effective in disrupting Neath's flow.

Having played little rugby recently, the Blacks looked a bit ring-rusty. They showed plenty of attacking intent but poor handling cost them several try-scoring opportunities. This was much to the relief of some Penclawdd supporters who burst into a first-half rendition of "What's it like to score a try ?"

They were to regret those words in the second-half when the Blacks cut loose to take their try-tally to nine as their greater bulk, speed and fitness gradually took its toll.

Winger Richard Johnston led the way with three tries that won him the coveted man of the match award chosen by former Neath and Wales prop Brian Williams and full back Neil Clapham raced across for two to underline his credentials as the leading try-scorer in Wales.

Hooker Andy Littlehales, acting-captain Paul Jones, replacement centre Wayne Mitchell and a 90-yard spectacular by Aled Bevan provided the other tries. James Hook kicked seven conversions in difficult conditions and Gnoll spectators' day was complete with the news that Banwen will join Neath in the last 16.

The draw for the last 16 will be made on Tuesday, January 25th.

Neath v Penclawdd - Neil Clapham; Aled Brew (Wayne Mitchell), Aled Bevan, Andrew Bishop, Richard Johnston; James Hook, Mark Davies; Paul Jones (captain), Andy Littlehales (Ed Shervington), Cai Griffiths; Steve Martin (Ben Davies), Ian Evans; Andy Llewellyn (John McPhail), Hywel Jenkins, Lee Beach (Tom Smith) Replacements - Pat Horgan, Craig Mitchell

Man of the Match Award - Neath V Penclawdd
Neath wing Richard Johnston receives the man of the match award for his performance in the Konica Minolta cup match against Penclawdd which included a hat trick of tries from Welsh All Black legend Brian Williams	Ian Evans of Konica Minolta presents Richard Johnston with the Konica Minolta man of the match award
Both Pictures by Georgina Rewbridge