Neath V Swansea
Saturday 25th March 2006, 2.30pm KO

MATCH REPORT (by Al Black)

(Photographs by Club Photographer, Julian Brock - Click Here)

NEATH 17 SWANSEA 6
In the worst conditions experienced this season, Neath completed a League double over their oldest rivals to underline their position at the top of the Principality Welsh Premiership.

Wind-borne heavy rain made this a difficult game upon which to judge the merits of the sides ahead of their Cup match but the scoreline reflected Neath’s superiority on a pitch that had assumed quagmire qualities well before the end.

Swansea had first use of the elements and they took the lead through a penalty by outside-half Stuart Thomas but Neath were battling the elements well and, with Arwel Thomas an eager replacement for James Hook who suffered a dead leg, the Blacks kept Swansea at bay. In fact, Neath hit the scoreboard next with a copybook try that would have graced a fairer day. After the forwards had made inroads, Jon Spratt and the excellent Neil Clapham freed right wing Steve Thomas on the opposite flank and he touched down for his 19th try of the season – his 13th in the League.

Arwel Thomas converted superbly and Neath were on their way because in the second half Swansea were unable to make much headway into the wind and the Blacks doubled their advantage early in the second-half. Arwel Thomas, who seemingly enjoys playing against his old club, spotted a gap and sent centre Aled Bevan, celebrating his 50th appearance for Neath, through to score at the posts. The outside-half’s conversion made it 14-3 and he then casually stroked over a penalty to cancel out a similar effort by his opposite number.

The Blacks might well have added to their score as the forwards took command but when referee Tim Hayes (Carmarthen) blew for time both sides were content to reach the sanctuary of the dressing-rooms.

Neath – N.Clapham; S.Thomas, A.Bevan, J.Spratt, A.Brew (G.Morris); J.Hook (A.Thomas), G.James; P.Jones, A.Littlehales, C.Mitchell (A.Howell); S.Martin (captain), M.Morgan; A.Llewellyn (D.McShane), B.Davies, J.McPhail
Swansea – N.Thomas; A.Bramwell, M.Brayley (captain), C.Shelmerdine (D.Watts), N.Jones (R.Jones); S.Thomas, D.Pittard (R.Rees); L.May, D.Colclough (R.Emms), A.Clatworthy; D.Lloyd-Jones, I.Evans; G.Jones (D.Blyth), S.Edwards (R.Gallagher), B.Lewis
Referee : Mr. T.Hayes (Carmarthen)