Match Report

Neath 23 - Newport 10

The Gnoll, Sat 12th Apr 08 KO: 16:30

Neath v Newport

After Aberavon got a bonus point win against Bedwas - Neath knew going into this game that the league couldn't be won on home soil but a bonus point win would mean they only had to get 2 points in Cardiff to clinch the league for the 4th consequetive year.

Newport were by far the livelier team in the opening 20minutes - with Neath failing to produce any substantial chances.
Mike Hook (older brother of James) had the opportunity to open the scoring for the black and ambers after 10minutes, but the penalty went wide. However he made no mistake when the same opportunity arose some 10 minutes later.
Neath 0 Newport 3

Neath replied 5 minutes later with a Howard Thomas penalty, and Neath's outside half had the opportunity to put Neath in the lead with another penalty minutes later, but the kick went wide.
Neath broke the gain line thanks to a Martin Roberts break but poor hands led to the ball going forward!

However Neath lethargy continued and Newport sneaked over for a try in the corner, captain Andrew Coombes the scorer. Michael Hook added the 2 points making it 10 - 3 to the port.

The Black and Ambers continued to put pressure on the Neath defence with a cracking kick that took them closer to the try line, Neath kept them from scoring but a turnaround of fortunes was needed going into the second half, a stern team talk for the Neath boys was in order for them to get firing in front of the tv cameras.

HT Neath 3 Newport 10

Second Half

With the wind advantage and Newport down to 14 men after the early second half sinbinning of Paul Williams this was Neath ‘s opportunity to capatilise and make their mark.

A driving over scrum from the Neath pack saw Neath captain Lee Beach cross for his 7th league try of the season, the conversion was a chance to draw level but the kick didn't have the legs.
Neath 8 - Newport 10.

Newport then gave away a penalty giving Neath the opportunity to put themselves in front for the first time in the game.
The ball glided through the uprights thanks to Howard Thomas - Neath 11 Newport 10

Neath then rung the changes to help bring an added zing to the pack, James Merriman replacing Andy Llewellyn and Craig Mitchell coming on for Ross Davies.

The ref yellow carded another Newport player, this time hooker Andrew Brown, while Neath continued to ring the changes, this time at no 10, Arwel Thomas replacing Howard.

Even down to 14 men Newport were still creating chances - a knock on from centre Nathan Williams preventing them from scoring.
Neath responded with a move involving Arwel Thomas & Lee Beach but Neath were penalised for crossing.

Moments later Newport infringed & a brave Arwel Thomas attempted a long range penalty from the half way line but the kick was short.
However a moment of magic from the Neath team saw flanker James Merriman gallop over for a match winning try.

Arwel Thomas converted making it Neath 18 Newport 10.
A charge down from Merriman saw the ball bounce kindly for Steve Thomas to dive on it, the kick went wide but Neath extended their lead to 23- 10.

A fired up Newport determined to score looked like they were about to add to their tally but Kerry Young knocked the ball on.
Indiscipline from Neath saw replacement scrum half Gareth Jones sinbinned - giving Newport an easier route to scoring.
Neath ended the game on top 23-10 a win at Cardiff should do the job.