Neath 26 Pontypool 13
Saturday 18th October 2003

MATCH REPORT

Neath rarely hit the right notes in beating Pontypool fairly comfortably at The Gnoll to go third in the Premier League.

In fact, after Pontypool had taken the lead almost from the kick off with an interception try by winger Joel Griffin that outside-half Stuart Lawrence converted, the affair was largely forgettable other than for the three tries that Neath created.

Neath made only one change from the side that won at Cross Keys, Mike Jones giving way to Wayne Mitchell and it was the young centre who brought Neath back into the game with Neath's first try.

Wing Richard Johnston rounded the defence and sped away for Neath's second and with outside-half Matthew Jones converting and banging over a couple of penalties, Lawrence getting one back, it was 18-10 at halftime.

The Neath forwards were on top and they certainly had the edge behind but the second-half was a drab affair with both sides making too many errors. Jones and Lawrence traded penalties before Neath infused a bit of life with a fine try by full back Paul Bamsey after good work by centre John Leyshon.

Neath flanker John McPhail was crowned man-of-the-match by "Evening Post" reporter Huw S. Thomas. The hard-working McPhail never gives less than 100 per cent and will collect a hatful of these awards over the season but, from a Neath point of view, it would be nice if he had a few more challenging him.

Next Saturday, Ebbw Vale come to The Gnoll and Neath will be looking to make it a hat-trick of Gwent successes. Last Saturday, Vale lost 15-30 at Aberavon despite ex-Neath wing Kevin James (on loan from the Gwent Dragons) scoring two tries.

Neath :- P.Bamsey; R.Carter, J.Leyshon, W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; Matthew Jones, O.Gustafson; A.Howell, D.Poland, A.Edwards; Mark Jones, T.Davies; H.Jenkins, R.Phillips (captain), J.McPhail Replacements :- Mike Jones, C.Anderson, R.Morgan, A.Littlehales, C.Griffiths, B.Davies, A.Llewellyn
Tries :- W.Mitchell, R.Johnston, P.Bamsey
Conv :- Matthew Jones
Pen :- Matthew Jones (3)

Man of the Match presentation for the Pontypool match
on Saturday October 18th, with John McPhail being presented
his bottle of Champagne by Huw S Thomas of the Evening Post

Mascot for the Pontypool RFC match at the Gnoll, Luke Harvey (aged 8 years).
Luke is from Neath Abbey, and is pictured with Head Coach and Captain Rowland Phillips