Swansea V Neath
Saturday 3rd January 2004

MATCH REPORT

SWANSEA 21 NEATH 13 (by Phil Space)
Neath failed to make the most of territorial and possession dominance and missed out on a golden opportunity to go top of the Premier Division when they lost out again at St. Helen's

The Blacks took the lead when Patrick Horgan's chip into the box was seized upon by Richard Johnston who bagged his 11th try of the season. Matthew Jones converted but Swansea levelled when centre Paul Mackey hacked through to touch down and replacement Rob Sweeney converted.

Despite going close on at least four occasions, Neath could only add a Jones penalty and led 10-7 at halftime and much the same pattern continued after halftime. Neath were in charge but could manage only a second Jones penalty.

Almost inevitably, Swansea broke out and wing Nick Jones courted the touchline in a determined run to the corner for a try that Luke Richards converted to put Swansea in front for the first time.

Neath now had to move the ball from deep to regain their lead and when thre ball spilled loose, Swansea pounced for their third try by scrum-half Rhodri Wells, Richards converting to give the Whites an unlikely victory that owed a lot to their ability to soak up Neath pressure.

The Blacks must now rely upon Newport failing in their re-arranged games.
Next Saturday, the Blacks travel to meet Newbridge (2.30 pm) and this is another potential banana-skin as the Gwent side caused plenty of problems at The Gnoll in October.

Neath v Swansea :- P.Bamsey; R.Carter, Mike Jones, W.Mitchell, R.Johnston; Matthew Jones, P.Horgan; P.Jones (captain), D.Poland, A.Howell; T.Davies, L.Bateman; S.Tandy, H.Jenkins, J.McPhail Replacements :- D.Evans, O.gustafson, C.Griffiths, A.Littlehales, R.Phillips, Mark Jones, A.Llewellyn