The first league game of the season stated with a bang with the release of black and white balloons and Neath Male Choir providing the pre-match entertainment, which was very well received by the crowd of 2165 - not bad for a semi-pro match!

Five minutes into the match, after some early pressure by the Neath forwards the Swansea backs were caught offside. The penalty was easily converted by outside-half Shaun Conner

Three minutes later Conner sustained an injury and was replaced by James Hook

Twenty minutes into the game, a well-taken drop goal by Hook reaped the rewards from a forward surge by the Neath eight.

Some minutes later a break by centre Andrew Bishop led to a fine try by captain Gareth Morris, converted in fine style by Hook.

Former one-time Gnoll favourite and bogey-man Luke Richards's use of the grubber kick led to a lineout near the Neath try-line. The lineout was taken quickly and Neath's backs were caught flat-footed leaving Swansea centre Shellmerdine to cross for an easy try which was converted by Luke Richards.

Thirty minutes into the game saw Swansea's Noel Thomas yellow-carded for evicting Neath's Mefin Davies from the ruck unceremoniously. The resulting penalty was successfully taken by Hook. Half-Time Score 13 - 7

Lots of handling errors by both sides led to a scrappy start to the second half.

After eight minutes into the second half, Gareth Morris created a break which resulted in Neath favourite, prop Paul Jones to score a try in the corner. This spot seems to be a favourite try-scoring venue for prop forwards as it is referred to as the burger-van corner by some of the Town Terrace contingent. (shedmen). The try remained unconverted

Shortly after the try, Paul Jones was replaced by Andrew Howell due to a shoulder injury.

A try-scoring chance was missed when James Hook failed to see second row Ian Evans who was in a try-scoring position in the same corner.

Swansea who lived offside at the ruck area for most of the afternoon, forfeited a penalty in front of the 69ft high posts. Hook was successful and brought the score to 21 - 7.

The Neath scrum was solid throughout the match but the lineout was poor on occasions. (maybe the influence of the Ospreys lineout from the night before [Ospreys V Munster] rubbed off on The Welsh All Blacks?}.

The Neath lineout seemed to improve when Ian Evans was replaced by Chris Gittins.

Many injuries contributed to a stop-start game in addition the Swansea's continual infringement at the ruck area.

Martin Roberts replaced Gareth Morris (shoulder injury).