Pontypridd V Neath
22nd November 2003

MATCH REPORT

PONTYPRIDD 6 NEATH 25 (by Phil Space)
Neath kept up the pressure on Newport at the top of the Welsh Premier League with a fine 25-6 win at Sardis Road where they captured Ponty’s ground record.

Things might not be going Ponty’s way at regional level but home support remains solid and there was a crowd of over 2,000 to see Neath strangle the home side.

Ponty included regional men in Chris Balshen and Wales ‘A’ prop Martin Jones. They were led by ex-international Dale McIntosh, the “Chief” having miraculously recovered from what was said to be a “broken leg” suffered at Aberavon the previous week.

Full back Jason Pocock gave Ponty the lead early on but this was cancelled out by Neath outside-half Chris Anderson who then converted a sniping try by scrum-half Patrick Horgan. The Neath forwards were well on top but the only addition to the score was an Anderson-Pocock penalty-exchange.

Neath extended their 13-6 halftime advantage with a try by wing Elvis Seveali’I who was making his fourth appearance from the Ospreys. Anderson converted and the Blacks continued to control the game.

Neath should have taken advantage of an attacking five-metre scrum but lost the ball and Ponty took play to the other end. Victory was secured when from a Ben Davies lineout take the Black forwards mauled Ponty 40 yards to their own line and Horgan dived in for his second try.

Coach Rowland Phillips was full of praise for his team’s effort in winning at one of Welsh rugby’s hardest venues and paid tribute to the team’s defensive work in the face of a late Ponty assault.

Neath face another difficult task on Saturday when they visit the Arms Park (2.30pm). Cardiff have won their last two games and, with the return of World Cup stars to the Blues, their club side has added some steel. The Blacks will need to be at their best !

Neath :- P.Bamsey; E.Seveali’I, Mike Jones, J.Leyshon, R.Johnston; C.Anderson, P.Horgan; P.Jones (captain), D.Poland, A.Howells; Mark Jones, L.Bateman; B.Sinkinson, H.Jenkins, J.McPhail

Replacements (all employed) :- M.Evans, R.Morgan, A.Littlehales, A.Edwards, B.Davies, S.Phillips, A.Llewellyn

• CARDIFF V NEATH - TRANSPORT
Transport arrangements are being made for supporters (ring the Club Office on 01639.769660) with a quick return to deposit fans at The Gnoll for the Ospreys’ clash with Leinster.