Pontypool V Neath
Wednesday, 12th May 2004

MATCH REPORT

PONTYPOOL 25 points NEATH 24 points (by Phil Space)

After the Lord Mayor's Show comes the dustcart and, following their Welsh Cup win on Saturday, much-changed Neath turned in a very subdued performance at Pontypool Park.

An undistinguished, penalty-strewn game bore all the hallmarks of the last game of the season and, after centre Adam Sliczny had given Pooler the lead with a try that ensured their Premier Division survival, there was little for the connoisseur.

Neath hit back with two tries, the first by wing Richard Johnston, the second by prop Paul Jones who departed soon afterwards but that was it as the whistle dominated.

Pontypool's match winner was the much-travelled ex-Neath Athletic full back Jon Williams, playing on the right wing, who banged over three first-half penalties and a conversion to a single penalty and a conversion by outside-half Chris Anderson that made it 15-16 to Pooler at halftime.

In the second-half, the pair added three penalties each to make it 25-24 to Pontypool. Williams scored 20 points and even the home fans were almost embarrassed by the number of decisions that went Pooler's way.

Replacement outside-half Matthew Jones missed a last kick of the game from 60 yards that might have turned it Neath's way. It was a pity that such a successful season should end on a low note although it was not totally unexpected.

Neath - M.Harvey; K.James (Matthew Jones), Mike Jones (J.Leyshon), W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; C.Anderson (J.Hook), O.gustafson; P.Jones (A.Howell), D.Poland, C.Griffiths; Mark Jones, G.Evans; A.Llewellyn, B.Davies, J.McPhail