Neath 29 Uruguay 3
Wednesday 21st November 2001, 7-00pm Kick-Off

MATCH REPORT
© Alan Williams, Programme Editor, Neath RFC

Steve Martin captained the home side on his 150^th appearance for the Club, who also gave debuts to four young players for this encounter with the South American tourists.

A new centre pairing of Mike Price and the highly rated John Leyshon, was part of a back line whose average age was 22.

The visitors took an early lead with a penalty by captain Diego Aguirre.

The home team hit back with a try from wing Kevin James, who crossed in the corner, out side half Shaun Connor added the extra points for the conversion.

Prop Paul Jones and Uruguayan Marcello Gutierrez were both shown yellow cards following a mass brawl in the 28^th minute.

The Neath outside half scored the games second try, with a blind side burst, from a close range scrum, Connor himself added the extra points for the conversion. Just before halftime Uruguayan blind side flanker Martin Lopez and Neath centre John Leyshon were both sin binned for killing the ball in separate incidents.

The second half was even more physical than the first. Paul James replaced Paul Jones in the front row. Shaun Connor was on target with an early penalty, following the visiting defence being caught offside in midfield.

Back row forward Steve Tandy crossed for a try following a superb inside pass by Shaun Connor, Connor was on target with the conversion, which took his personal tally to 14 points.

The Uruguayans lost their discipline at this stage and Gutierrez was sent off for a cynical late tackle on Neath Full back Dylan Pugh, who was quickly followed into the changing rooms by replacement prop forward Diego Bessio for illegal use of the boot.

Back row forward Richard Francis rounded off a fine personal performance with a well-deserved injury time try.