Match Report

Neath 27 - Swansea 18

The Gnoll, Sat 26th Jan 08 KO: 17:30

Neath 27 Swansea 18
Konica Minolta Cup


12 Points from former Swansea favourite Arwel Thomas & some breathtaking tries from the Neath backs put The Welsh All Blacks through to the last 16 of the cup.

Neath started in lively fashion with Gareth King feeding Kevin James near to the try line only for the scoring opportunity to go begging when Matthew Nuthall spilled the ball.

Neath were penalised some 8 minutes into the game and Swansea full back Ricky Williams slotted over the penalty. Neath 0 - Swansea 3.

Swansea were then penalised for killing the ball, Arwel Thomas tied the scores level.

The first try of the evening was set up by Neath full back Gareth King, wing Matthew Nuthall did the leg work, chipped ahead just at the right moment, chased & got the try.
Arwel Thomas converted making it 10 -3 to the home side after 15minutes gone.

The next try scoring opportunity again involved Neath's 15 & 11 with the crowd on their feet the try looked to come from Nuthall again, but the ball was lost close to the line.

Neath continued to pressure, but Swansea defence held firm, a first half fight broke out with both Stephen Thomas & Rhys Jones of Swansea seeing yellow.

Neath continued to excite Kevin James & James Merriman were involved in the attack but again the ball was lost at crucial moments.

On the stroke of half time Neath won the turnover, Gareth King made the break, was well supported by Arwel Thomas who fed to Kevin James who bounded over for his 23rd try of the season. Arwel missed with the wide conversion.

Half Time at the Gnoll - Neath 15 Swansea 3.

Swansea came out after half time all guns blazing & errors at the line out from Neath led to Swansea scoring their first try of the evening through Matthew Evans. Ricky Williams added the 2 points. Neath 15 - Swansea 10.

Neath bounced back immediately when outside half Arwel Thomas made the break & went all the way to cross under the posts, he made no mistake with the conversion & the Swansea faithful must have been having flashbacks of the many occasions where Arwel did that in a white shirt!
Neath 22- Swansea 10

Neath were penalised for being offside & Ricky Williams added to his tally with a penalty.
Neath 22 - Swansea 13.

Neath put pressure on the Swansea line with the backs linking up with James Merriman who knocked on close to the line, Arwel Thomas attempted a drop goal but this chance went begging.

Damien Karauna attempted a drop goal, Gareth King picked up, made the break & fed to Stephen Thomas who beat his man & crossed for the try. Arwel Thomas' conversion was wide.
Neath 27- Swansea 13.

However Swansea continued to battle with winger Nicky Jones doing the leg work for Marc Popham to cross for a try. (brother Alix would have been proud of his efforts no doubt!)Ricky Williams just missed with the conversion. Neath 27 - Swansea 18

Neath looked to respond in the dying minutes with a try from man of the match Steve Thomas but the ball was dropped.

All in all a pleasing performance for the Welsh All Blacks & progression to the last 16 of the cup competition.

Final Score at the Gnoll - Neath 27 Swansea 18.