Match Report

Neath 10 - Scarlets 16

The Gnoll, Wed 12th Aug 09 KO: 19:30

Neath 10 Scarletts 16

Match report by Rob Goodman 

Score Summary

Neath

Tries: K Farrel
Con: G Mcarthy
Pen : A Thomas

Yellow cards: K Morgan, A James

Scarletts

Tries : J Edwards, Lee Williams
Con:
Pen: D Newton
Drop Goals: D Newton

Yellow cards: J Edwards

Neath got their pre-season preparations under way with a hard-fought, competitive game at the John Smith's Gnoll. While victory eluded the men in black, there was plenty to take from the game for the new coaching team of Pat Horgan, Steve Williams, Leigh Davies and Kevin Morgan.

The bumper crowd provided a cracking atmosphere for the friendly - the fans keen to welcome the club's new signings and the Scarlets for the first time since Boxing Day 2004.

Neath started with all five new summer signings - player coach Kevin Morgan at full back, Nathan Brew in the centre, Alec Jenkins on the wing, Gareth Mcarthy at 10 and Michael Collins in his unusual position of flanker.

While the Scarlets were a largely representative side, made up largely of academy and Llanelli players, they still provided a stern work out for the boys and gave debuts to Ben Morgan, Damien Welch, Jamie Corsi and Gareth Maule.

An early penalty from Dan Newton put the Parc-y-Scarletss side in front, but it was a piece of superb work from Kevin Morgan which lit up the first half. A quick penalty was taken when Scarlets wing Darren Daniel fouled and Morgan cut thorough the unorganised defence and into the heart of the opponents twenty two. Quick ball was key and the ball came to the outstanding, and captain for the evening Kevin Farrel to cross over.

It was an outstanding response from the men win black who had established a foothold in the game having been under early pressure from the regional team. With a 7-3 lead, and entering the second quarter, Neath found themselves back under pressure as the Scarlets went through the phases. The pressure told on thirty minutes when try scorer Morgan was sin binned. A memorable debut for the former Wales man, the All Blacks defence was breached when down to 14 men - with the Scarletts just about securing ball from there own scrum and working the ball to the blindside for Jon Edwards to score. It was harsh on Neath who had more than held their own against their opponents and arguably deserved to be leading at half time. Ultimately the defence just couldn't hold out before half time and it was 8 - 7 at the break.

The opening quarter of the second half became bogged down, with the whistle happy Gwyn Morris hardly letting the game flow and seemingly picking up on every indiscretion and incurring the wrath of the home support. Scarletts Dan Newton extended their lead to four points with a drop goal, before the outstanding Mike Collins intercepted and ran fully forty meters before just being caught by the covering defender.

The fractious nature of the game was also seen with both Ashley James and try scorer Edwards both carded.

A big cheer greeted the return to the field of Arwell Thomas back for another year at the Gnoll when he replaced Gareth Mcarthy. He proved he had lost none of his technique over the summer with a sweetly struck penalty midway through the second half after a strong break down the touchline by Kevin James.

With just one point in it, the game was there for the taking and it was a credit to the Neath players that their fitness lasted against their regional rivals. It was not to be however with a piece of inspirational play from Scarlets scrum half lee Williams. The Wales seven star showed great football skills to chip over the Neath defence, control the ball and slide over the try line. There was more than an element of doubt over whether he had crossed into touch, but it was a fantastic try. With both sides ringing the changes to ensure everyone received some match time that was the way it stayed. Nevertheless, it was a terrific effort from both teams and while it is always unwise to read to much into a pre-season friendly, the competitive nature of the match will ensure that both teams left happy.

Director of Rugby, Pat Horgan said:

"While we are always disappointed to lose, I thought it was very committed performance from the boys tonight. We have tried to put enthusiasm back into the club and the attitude has been fantastic - we've got a nice team spirit building here and hopefully we can take that into the league."

Man of the match was awarded by Huw Richards to Euros Evans for his total commitment to the black jersey and his never say die attitude.

At half time it was announced £3500 has been raised for the Gareth Jones Memorial Fund. Many thanks to all those who contributed.