Match Report

Neath 17 - Ebbw Vale 24

The Gnoll, Sat 13th Oct 07 KO: 14:30

Bonus point win for Ebbw as Neath's unbeaten run comes to an end.

Full Time Score Neath 17 v Ebbw Vale 24

The score remained 0-0 for the first 20minutes until with the sides both pushing on their lines. However Neath were first to score after full back Matthew Nuthall kept the ball in play with some great handling, passed to Gareth Jones who scampered over for the first try of the game. Howard Thomas added a further 2 point the the tally with the conversion.

Ebbw Vale responded well when twin brother of former Neath scrum Half Rob Lewis crossed for a try, Gareth Mccarthy missed with the wide conversion. After some poor handling from the home side Ebbw capatalised, put pressure on the Neath backs and scored a fine try through winger John Rees Williams convered by Mccarthy.

Neath 7 - Ebbw Vale 12.

Neath, keen to add points to the board before the break put pressure on the 22 with James Merriman setting up what looked to be a potential try, Darren Humphries made a break but the ball was lost. Howard Thomas had a chance to add to the tally with a penetly but thwe long range attempt hit the posts.

Score at half time Neath 7 - Ebbw Vale 12.

Ebbw Vale opened the second half in the best possible fashion when outside half Gareth Mccarthy crossed in the corner, he missed with the conversion making the scores 17-7 to Ebbw.
Neath finally responded when birthday boy Kevin James bounded over for a try, Howard Thomas converted to bring the scores closer, Neath 14 Ebbw Vale 17.

Gareth Gravell saw yellow and with a game saw tight, Neath could have done without being a man down, the penetly granted to Ebbw Vale was missed by Mccarthy. Aled Bevan kicked a penalty to add to the tally, but Williams intercepted and James Lewis crossed for his 2nd of the afternoon, Shelbourne converted making it 24-17.

In the dying minutes a penalty for holding on sealed the game for Ebbw Vale.

Final Score Ebbw Vale 24 Neath 17.