Match Report

Neath 15 - Ebbw Vale 20

The Gnoll, Sat 4th Apr 09 KO: 14:30

Neath v Ebbw Vale
Saturday 4th April 2009
The opening quarter was a quiet affair with the only excitement coming from an exchange of penalty misses from the 10s.
Ebbw Vale got the first try of the afternoon on 30 minutes through winger Ieuan Coombes, which Andrew Williams duly converted, they crossed again 5 minutes on through Number 10 Andrew Williams who converted his own try, making it 14-0 to the Steelmen.
Neath reacted quickly, Stephen Thomas feeding fellow centre Wayne Mitchell to get Neath on the score sheet, however Thomas was unable to add the conversion.

Half time Neath 5 Ebbw Vale 14.
                                                                                              In the second half Ebbw still help onto possession and extended their lead with another penalty from Andrew Williams.
Neath 5 Ebbw Vale 17
Neath continued to look lethargic with former Neath flanker Simon Pengelly everywhere about the park.
Ebbw looked to extend their lead further but Will Jones knocked it on close to the line, Andrew Williams had a chance to extend their lead with a penalty but missed, however he was granted another kick at goal minutes and made no mistake in adding 3 points to Vale's tally.
Neath 5 Ebbw Vale 20
On 76 minutes Howard Thomas crossed for Neath's second of the afternoon, which Matty James converted making it Neath 12 - Ebbw Vale 20.
With fresh legs on the pitch Neath seemed to have a new lease of life, Matty James had the chance to draw the scores closer with a penalty,and he was successful, Neath 15 Ebbw Vale 20.
The home side left it too late and the chances of a forth league win look slim for the current champions.

Final score Neath 15 Ebbw Vale 20.

Man of the Match as chosen by former Neath lock Rob Hughes - Simon Pengelly (Ebbw Vale)