Match
Match Perspective
Following feedback given on our web survey, our supporters have asked for more interaction with our players. So we spoke to members of our squad and here are their views!
Neath 28 Pontypridd 22 - Konica Minolta Cup Final
Outside Half Arwel Thomas
The game had a special meaning for me, as I made my first-class debut with Neath, and to bow out with a second cup winner's medal was just perfect.
Our thoughts remain with Gareth Jones and his family - it was a terrible thing to happen and everyone is just praying that he pulls through.
Captain and No 8 Lee Beach
It was a great game and a good performance. We knew the importance of the game, the boys put in the work and we came out deserved winners.
Thank you to all the Neath fans for your fantastic support during the season, see you for the pre season friendlies in August.
Full back Gareth King
We played really well on Saturday and the boys are over the moon with the double acheivement.
It's been a long hard season but we have done what we set out to do in September.
Thanks to the Neath supporters for your vocal support during the season, see you in August for the pre season friendlies!
Neath 49 Glamorgan Wanderers 37 - Konica Minolta Semi Final
Captain Lee Beach
Yesterday was a good game to play in, it was a fast paced affair and im sure it was pretty entertaining to watch.
All in all we were pleased with the result and are delighted to get to the final.
We now need your support against Pontypridd on Friday, with ladies and under 12s going free you can afford to bring the whole family.
See you then
Beachy
Neath 23 Newport 10
Captain Lee Beach
Overall it was a good performance, although the first half wasn't great. We played in stages and the standard of refereeing was disappointing. But we dug deep to come out with another win and we now look forward to our game against Cardiff.
Cross Keys 28 Neath 44
Captain Lee Beach
It was a good win its just a shame that we went to sleep for 20minutes in the second half.
Im glad that we got the result and the performance will be a learning curve going into the league game against Newport.
Full Back Gareth King
We are really pleased to be in the semis of the cup, although we were a little disappointed with the way in which we let Cross Keys back into the game after half time.
Having said that the win is a satisfying one and we are hoping for a good draw for the next round.
Turning our attention to Newport, we know this will be a tough game and we hope that our supporters will be there in numbers for our first home game since March 1st!
Bedwas 6 Neath 17
Captain Gareth Gravell
Saturday was a really pleasing performance for us. Conditions were bad but in the first half we kept the ball which is something we improved upon from Aberavon.
The win now stands us in good stead for our cup game against Cross Keys on Saturday.
Aberavon 29 Neath 22
No 8 Andy Llewellyn
We had a very disappointing first half and we just seemed to have too much ground to make up in the second half.
Our performance was very poor but hats off to Aberavon they played the better rugby and thoroughly deserved their win.
Our focus will now turn to our game against Bedwas on Saturday, where we hope to put things right.
Full Back Gareth King
We were very disappointed with Monday's performance at Aberavon, we just didn't play to our potential which is something we aim to put right in training this week ahead of our game against Bedwas.
Neath 21 Cross Keys 9
Captain Lee Beach
Conditions were poor and the performance wasn't our best but the game became very physical and involved a lot of contact due to the weather conditions.
We were unable to play our usual style of running rugby but nevertheless we were pleased with the win and the game will be good preparation for when we meet with Cross Keys in the cup fixture.
Newport 16 Neath 28
Prop Nicky Downs
Rodney Parade is always a difficult place to play - especially mid week so we were very pleased to pick up the bonus point win. We were disappointed that we allowed them to score at the end but this will be something we can work on ahead of our league game against Cross Keys.
Full back Gareth King
After Saturday's result against Llandovery there was a lot of expectation going into this game. I think we played well against a strong Newport side and are very happy to extend our lead at the top of the table.
Cross Keys will be a tough challenge, recent results between us have been close so we must remain focused.
Neath 80 - Llandovery 0
Outside Half Howard Thomas
It was a good game, we scored some great tries and we are very pleased with the win. To take the points record from James Hook is something really special and I would like to thank the Neath fans for their vocal support during the game.
Lock Martin Morgan
We were really pleased with the win, in the past if we have built up a good lead we do tend to relax a little. But on Saturday everyone kept their shape throughout the game, the boys put in some really pleasing performances and I think the result made a big statement about us as a team. It is something that has been coming for a long time but we need to remember not get carried away and remain focused for Newport.
I travelled back down to Neath on Sunday for Mothers Day lunch at the clubhouse with my family - we really enjoyed the day and it was a great to use the facilities for something other than rugby!
Neath 23 Bridgend 16
Captain Lee Beach
After the reality check at Tonmawr we trained hard during the week and we were pleased with our preparation going into the Bridgend game. It was probably our best performance to date and I think we could have got a few more scores but the ref had a big part to play in that with a few dodgy decisions.
The win against Bridgend is something we can build on but we need to make sure we do not let our guard down on Saturday against Llandovery like we did against Tonmawr.
Neath Lock Martin Morgan
To go to Bridgend and pick up the win was really important for us.
It was a pleasing performance and I think defensively we performed really well, possibly the best we have done all season.
Now our thoughts turn to Llandovery who come to the Gnoll on Saturday for our first home game in a while. We hope that the match will be well supported & we continue to up the game.
Centre Dafydd Lockyer
I really enjoyed the game, we were very pleased with the win and I was happy to be back in the Neath jersey.
Tonmawr 20 Neath 20 - Konica Minolta Quarter Final
Captain Lee Beach
Saturday was a bad day at the office for us, we didn't get the rub of the green and a lot of things we tried just didn't come off. Tonmawr came at us & maybe we were a little bit unprepared for the challenge. But we are through to the next round of the cup and will treat Saturday as a learning curve and ensure there will not be a repeat performance.
Winger Matthew Nuthall
We all know that we were lucky to come away with the win. We didn't perform and in the final 10 minutes we looked to be going out. We dug in to get the final try and we are relieved to go through on try difference.
Ebbw Vale 12 - Neath 22
Full Back Gareth King
We knew the game was going to be a tough one but in the second half we upped our game, scored some good tries & came away with the win. Now our attention turns to Tonmawr who we know will be a tough test.
Captain Steve Martin
Very pleased with the result. Made hard work of it at times, but I thought our effort was rewarded with a good second half performance. Our superior fitness and team work brought is though. Could and probably should have scored more points, a few 50% - 50% refs calls put pay to a couple of tries, but I think we can be pleased to be where we are at the moment.
Neath 27 - Swansea 18 - Konica Minolta Cup
Captain Lee Beach
It was a pleasing win, obviously it was a fast open game & we were glad to get the result, we now look forward to the next round.
Prop Nicky Downs
We played some good rugby & its good to progress in the club, fingers crossed the will have a good draw & progress further.
Neath 17 Maesteg 6
Lock Steve Martin
It was a good game we played well & scored two good tries.
We did however fail to capitalize & missed some good chances.
The playing conditions were difficult in but we were happy to come away with the win.
Outside Half Arwel Thomas
It was a good win, the scrum was dominant & we played well considering the conditions. It was just a shame that in the 2nd half we couldn't capatalise more.
Glamorgan Wanderers 22 Neath 35
Captain & No 8 Lee Beach
Considering the conditions we played well & put together a good performance, We had a great start to the game and really put their fire out in the first 20minutes.
It was just disappointing we went to sleep towards the end, made some 50-50 passes and allowed them to score.
This is something which will be addressed this week ahead of Maesteg.
Centre Wayne Mitchell
I was really pleased to be back playing & I'm glad to have put injuries behind me, the game went well and I think it was the best squad performance to date this season.
It was just a little disappointing that they capitalised on our errors in the final 10minutes, this is something we will need to work on before Saturday.
Neath 18 Llanelli 18
Centre Kevin James
It was a bit disappointing especially as games went well for us over Christmas. The game just didn't go well for us and things need to be a lot tighter against Glamorgan Wanderers.
Prop Nicky Downs
We were disappointed with how the game went, we were lucky to come away with the draw & we are fully aware that our performance wasn't up to scratch.
Training this week will give us the opportunity to address problem areas and put things right against Glamorgan Wanderers.
Neath 43 Aberavon 12
Captain Lee Beach
Aberavon was a good all round performance and as a squad we were delighted with the support with had from the fans at the game at the Gnoll. You backing made a huge difference when we were going forward & on behalf of the squad I would like to thank you for your support.
I felt we really came together as a team for the fixture & scored some great tries. However we did waste great opportunities to score more points.
Ultimately the victory has given the boys confidence in their own ability & our goal is now to build on the performance.
Swansea 14 Neath 27
Captain Lee Beach
After studying Swansea's performance against Llanelli over the Christmas Period we knew that the side would present us with a tough test.
We were very pleased to come away with the bonus point win but we did waste some opportunities by trying to play too much in the wrong areas.
Therefore wasted opportunities is something we need to work on against Llanelli & we hope another big crowd at the Gnoll can help us achieve our goal.
Neath 13 - Cardiff 20
Neath captain Lee Beach:
We are not gelling as a team but to be fair we do have a lot of new players this year and our team hasn't been a settled starting 15 week in week out.
On the plus side our forward are going well but we need to be more clinical in our play, we failed to take our opportunities but there are not panic stations just yet.
We have a friendly tomorrow against Skewen and it will be a chance for the boys to up their confidence and re focus ahead of Newport.
Outside Half Arwel Thomas:
The first half wasn't too bad but we didn't take our chances for the second week running and we paid for that. Newport will be a make or break game and as a squad we know how crucial that match will be to our success this season.
Pontypridd 15 - Neath 10
Captain and Lock Steve Martin
We had opportunities but unfortunately we failed to capitalize on them, especially first half. Second half our lineout possession let us down somewhat. At the end of the day we made too many errors to really win the game outright. There's an ambition to play but at the moment little errors are costing us possession and territory, thus there was little chance to mount a challenge to Ponty's try line.
The boys are aware of the expectations of supporters and management and are work hard to get the best out of ourselves, obviously we are disappointed to have lost, but we are in the middle of an important six weeks therefore we will not dwell on this lost. We have to stay positive and keep on working hard to improve all aspects.
Neath 19 - Cross Keys 12
Outside Half Arwel Thomas
It was a very frustrating game and we were lucky to hold on in the end. Cross Keys are a tough team but we failed to put phases of play together we need to put that right against Pontypridd on Saturday.
Neath 34 - Bedwas 13
Prop Nicky Downs
We were very pleased with the win against Bedwas. The conditions were difficult but we worked as a team. It was a difficult battle up front but we stuck at it and came away with the victory.
What was important for us was to put right things for ourselves & supporters after the Ebbw Vale defeat, hopefully our winning run will continue against Cross Keys.
No 8 Andy Llewellyn
It was a good bonus point win that we are pleased with as a squad. We have started to play well now as a squad and we hope to continue in the same vein on Saturday in our home game against Cross Keys.
Llandovery 6 - Neath 41
Flanker James Merriman
We had a slow start to the game, we gave away silly penalties but we stuck together, Llandovery tired and we played some good rugby.
What we had prepared for in training came off and we were pleased to come away with a convincing win against the Tywi Valley side.
Wing Howard Thomas
It was nice to be back at my former club. We did struggle at the start but in the second half we got into our groove and scored some nice tries. In the last 40 of the match we played our best rugby so far this season. We now need to continue in the same vein in our back to back home matches against Bedwas and Cross Keys.
Prop Nicky Downs
Saturday was an opportunity for us to put the Ebbw Vale defeat behind us and put things right at Llandovery. As a squad we deserved the win and helped regain our confidence.
Outside Half Arwel Thomas
It was a hard first half but we did manage to stop Llandovery from scoring thanks to good work from our forwards. We managed to get the upper hand in the second half breaking tackles and scoring some good tries. What was important from this game is that we got some confidence back after the Ebbw defeat and we are now looking forward to Saturday's game against Bedwas.
Neath 17 - Ebbw Vale 24
Prop Nicky Downs
We were very dissapointed with our performance on Saturday. The game was a tough one but we simply didn't come up to the mark. We know where we went wrong, what areas need to be addressed and we are determined to put that right against Llandovery.
Gareth Gravell no 8 and captain
We were bitterly disappointed after Saturday. We let ourselves and fans down , we worked hard in the week leading up to the game, the coaches did their job but we failed to stick to the game plan which cost us dearly.
We are back in training this evening and we need to put the defeat behind us put things right and get the show back on track.
Maesteg 16 - Neath 23
Arwel Thomas, Outside Half and Captain against Maesteg
It was a hard fought game and we were lucky to clinch the win at the end. Some great impact play from Bulldog sealed it for us and we are delighted to be unbeaten and top of the table.
Realistically we need to look at ourselves and play a lot better to stay top, our ‘friendly' against Aberavon tomorrow night should be a great match and will be the perfect opportunity for us to improve our game.
Neath 27 - Glamorgan Wanderers 15
Neath Try Scorer Gareth Williams
I was really happy to get on and play well against my former club. Obviously to score a try at a crucial moment in the game was a bonus and as a squad we were really pleased to come away with a win.
Wing Kevin James
Obviously we are happy with a bonus point win. It wasn't our best performance but as a team we showed good character to fight it out at the end. There are lots of improvements to be made ahead of Maesteg and we hope that our supporters will over god vocal support at Ewenny Rd.
Neath 17 Llanelli 10
Prop Martin Jones
Llanelli is always a difficult place to go so to come away with a win and go top of the table is very pleasing for us. Our discipline is one area we need to work on for forthcoming games against Skewen tomorrow evening and Glamorgan Wanderers on the 22nd but the win is something we were happy with.
Senior Coach Jason Forster
Llanelli has to be marked down as an improvement on the opening day victory over Bridgend. The home side really came at us during the first-half but having done the right things, indiscipline then let us down.
But the boys showed good character during the closing stages to pull off a very good win at a ground where not too many sides will win this year.
Full Back Matthew Nuthall
It was a frustrating game, we didn't play to the best of our ability but we managed to get a win away from home. Obviously our focus now turns to putting this right for our next game against Skewen on Tuesday.
Neath 42 Bridgend 6
Scrum Half Gareth Jones
It was a good first game of the season performance for the boys. Our team was outstanding in the first half and we scored some cracking tries.
Obviously there have been a couple of new faces in the squad, inparticular Lee and Mezza did really well and we hope to build on this at Llanelli on Saturday and get some momentum going.
Neath Head Coach Rowland Phillips
After a very busy off season of preparation and some excellent warm up matches this was the first opportunity for us to really be put up again strong side in the first game of the league.
Very pleased with the result and the defensive attitudes of the players not to concede a try. Pleased with picking up the win and bonus point and pleased the players could witness some frustrations especially in the second half when we were bogged down a bit in our 22. there was a frustration involved that we managed to get through.
All of these factors will help us prepare for the rest of the season. We set ourselves a short term goal to win the Bridgend game and play well so that was achieved. Now we look forward to the Llanelli game, a very tough encounter bearing in mind the result we had at Stradey Park last year which was the worst we had in four years its going to be a huge challenge but I'm sure if we improve on the mistakes we made on Saturday we can go there full of confidence and get a result.
All in all it was a good start to the season, we are in better shape this year than what we were after losing to Glamorgan Wanderers on day 1 and we look forward to the rest of the season.
To the Neath supporters thank you for your support on Saturday. Stradey Park is a daunting place to go but with your support it will be a lot more enjoyable.
Neath Head Coach Jason Forster
We have to be happy with 42 points for the first home game of the season. We stopped the opposition from scoring tries which is a pleasing factor. There were a lot of plus points but we have to keep our feet on the ground as there were 15 minutes in the first half & 20 minutes in the second half we were down on territory and down on possession.
On the other hand we defended extremely well to stop them from scoring tries. Our tries were constructed well, with good offloading and good running lines and its pleasing for the first game of the season to get all the rustiness out and to score 42 points the boys are happy, the coaching staff are happy but now we have to step it up a level when we face Llanelli on Saturday.
Team Manager Stuart Evans
First of all I am glad as team manager to finally kick off our season campaign. It's been a long pre season, with not only training but four matches also. So it's great to start the business side of things by beating Bridgend by 40 points at the Gnoll. We were also delighted in achieving our goal of bonus points.
The way we played, good strong, forward play, looks good for the rest of the season. We not only have 22 strong players we have a squad of 32 strong players who can come on and play against any team that comes to the gnoll. Ultimately things are in place for a long, hard fight for the season.
