Match Report

Kidwelly 17 - Neath 83

Parc Stevens, Sat 23rd Jan 10 KO: 2.30p

Flying winger Richard Smith smashed Neath’s individual try-scoring record when he crossed for 7 tries in the Welsh All Blacks’ hastily arranged friendly at Kidwelly on Saturday.

Smith’s achievement was the outstanding feat in a game that coach Patrick Horgan described as “perfect” for some of the young guns in the squad who have not seen too much action recently.

It takes a brave club to take on the Principality Premiership leaders for the first time, particularly when those self-same leaders are smarting from an undignified Cup exit.

And, despite the unflattering scoreline, Kidwelly proved themselves a very brave – and welcoming - club at Parc Stephens on Saturday.

Prior to kick off, both teams observed a minute’s silence in memory of Kidwelly coach Stan Liptrot who passed away last week. On an excellent surface and in near-perfect conditions, Neath attacked from the start but Kidwelly scored first when skipper Stuart Morris intercepted a stray pass and raced 65 metres to score.

Neath were soon on level terms, good handling freeing Richard Smith for his first score and the Welsh All Blacks kept up the momentum as Smith completed a first-half hat-trick, flanker Craig Price and centre Nathan Brew also crossing.

With locks Mike Collins and Haydn Pugh dominant figures in a pack well led by the returning Gareth Gravell, the handling and running from deep of the Neath backs was a joy to behold and replacement Ryan Jones nearly scored with his first touch.

Young Ryan, son of Neath’s 1984 Cup Final hero Gareth (Sparky), was an early replacement for wing Kevin James, then he moved to scrum-half after the interval and did more than enough to suggest further appearances are in the offing.

The excellent hands of Gareth McCarthy were a feature and Neath’s top points scorer fired over four conversions before the perceptive Morris nipped in for his second interception try of the afternoon that he converted himself to make it 33-12 at half-time.

McCarthy got the second-half rolling with Neath’s sixth try. Then Richard Smith took over, revealing classical finishing skills to levy four further second-half tries to break the record of 6 previously jointly held by Howie Jones (v Aberavon 1928/29), W.D. Williams (v B.P.Llandarcy 1949/50), Keith Maddocks (v Ebbw Vale 1956/57),  Alan Edmunds (v Cross Keys 1989/90) and Kevin James (v Blackwood Stars 2007/08).

Other post-interval tries came from centre Wayne Mitchell (who had a fine game), Craig Price again and livewire replacement hooker Ashleigh James with McCarthy (2), Alec Jenkins, Tom James and Smith adding conversions.

Kidwelly never threw in the towel and their No.8 Dylan Evans typified their effort which earned late reward from a try by replacement William Russell.

But it was Neath’s – and especially Richard Smith’s - day and the Blacks seem to have the perfect and timely replacement for young Kristian Phillips who has won elevation to the Wales senior squad.

While the final score-line reflects a convincing Neath victory, Kidwelly are to be complimented on their positive approach which was heartening to witness following the shenanigans of the Cup.

Indeed, most Neath supporters considered that Kidwelly took more dignity from their defeat than did Glamorgan Wanderers from their victory – and Neath were so impressed by their genuine rugby spirit that they have invited them back to The Gnoll next season.

Kidwelly :- A.Francis (M.Davies); L.Marshall, J.Smith, J.Thomas, D.Lewis; S.Morris (captain) (K.Jones), R.Jones (C.Thomas); C.Williams, A.Jones, R.Davies; M.Stokes (W.Russell), K.Bryan (D.Holland); C.Cray (D.Montgomery), D.Evans, R.Gravell (T.Taylor)

Neath :- A.Jenkins (K.Morgan); K.James (R.Jones), N.Brew (S.Thomas), W.Mitchell, R.Smith; G.McCarthy (K.Farrell), T.James; E.Lewis, A.Littlehales (A.James), J.Reeves; M.Collins, H.Pugh; C.Price, G.Gravell (captain) (P.Sidoli), A.Whitney

Referee : Mr. Andrew Miles (Pembroke)