Tonmawr V Neath
Tuesday, 26th August 2003

MATCH REPORT

TONMAWR nil NEATH 54 points
Neath completed their match preparations before the start of the new season with a comfortable enough 54-nil at Tonmawr where the Pelenna village side as expected made the All Blacks work hard throughout.

The game was played over two halves of 40 minutes, Neath fielding two different XV’s and, if there was a lack of fluency at times, it was all invaluable game-time for the new-look side.

In the first period, Neath scored three tries by hard-working flanker John McPhail, prop Paul Jones and hooker Adam Matthews with outside-half Matthew Jones converting all three for a 21-nil lead.

The presence of ex-internationals Mark Jones and Rowland Phillips gave the Neath youngsters extra confidence after the break when they played better football and scored five more tries.

Wing Mike Evans, flanker James Davies, centre Aled Bevan, lock Ben Davies and finally skipper Paul Jones, his second, were the beneficiaries. Matthew Jones and outside-half Chris Anderson (3) adding conversions.

Young tight head Ioan Ohlsson threatened the highlight of the match when he embarked on a touchline run that was reminiscent of a young John Davies only for wing Gareth John to drop the scoring pass.

Neath (1st half)
P.Bamsey; R.Carter, Mike Jones, J.Leyshon, R.Johnston; Matthew Jones, O.Gustafson; P.Jones (captain), A.Matthews, A.Howell; G.Evans, A.Jones; T.Davies, S.Phillips, J.McPhail

Neath (2nd half)
Matthew Jones; M.Evans, A.Bevan, W.Mitchell, G.John; C.Anderson, R.Morgan; A.W.Davies, D.Poland, I.Ohlsson; Mark Jones, B.Davies; A.Llewellyn, R.Phillips, J.Davies