Recap

NEATH 30 BARGOED 12
A proper Neath team playing proper Neath rugby football in front of a proper Neath crowd took the spoils against a game Bargoed side who can count themselves unlucky to have come up against the most passionate Neath performance for many a day.

After three of the most traumatic weeks in Neath’s long and distinguished history which is still threatened by company complications, feelings are running high at The Gnoll and Bargoed stepped into a pretty febrile atmosphere in which the patched up and pumped up home team thrived.

The match programme cover heralded the message “Neath RFC Remembers” which was appropriate as The Gnoll club turned in a display which evoked fond memories of better days and maybe did justice to the spirit of their fallen World War heroes.

For heroic it was. After Bargoed had taken the lead with a try by winger Duane Dyer on the back of a suspiciously-looking forward pass, and converted by Josh Prosser, Neath were up against it. But the Blacks gradually fought back into the game : the scrum was solid, the line-out less so but newly-enthused Neath, showing a relish for the tackle, battled up-field and a typical Keiran Williams charge saw skipper Aaron Bramwell plunge over for a try which Callum Hall, playing on the wing, goaled easily.

Bargoed, well-drilled and confident, struck back with a fine second try by winger Ashley Norton and, with top referee Gwyn Morris accentuating the positive, only ball spillages stopped them going further ahead. But Neath’s spirit shone strongly in a combative forward effort and two fine Callum Hall penalties nudged them ahead 13-12 at the interval and the home side were cheered to a man as they retired to the dressing-rooms.

The Blacks made most of the running in the second-half and they deservedly extended their lead when former All Black centre Regan King scored his first try for the Welsh All Blacks, Hall again converting. Midway through the half, inspired Neath scored again when Callum Hall, by now switched to his more accustomed outside-half slot, took advantage of a ricocheted kick to touch down for his first try for the Blacks too and he added the conversion points for good measure.

The young Mountain Ash product also landed a third penalty for a 20-point haul and he saved a try with an enveloping tackle late on. Good enough for the Man of the Match award ? Normally perhaps but, on this occasion, the Supporters’ Club’s popular award went to the entire Neath team – an unprecedented honour. It was that kind of night and a pleasure to behold the joy on the sea of faces which cheered both sides at the end.

Former stalwarts Lee Evans, Marc Jones and Kevin James helped out their old club, the newcomers adapted brilliantly and the remaining Neath patriots – many of whom had points to prove – gave it everything on a night of high emotion. It would be unfair to single out any individuals in a genuine team performance by the full line-up :-

Aaron Bramwell (captain); James Roberts (Kevin James), Regan King, Keiran Williams, Callum Hall; Gavin Evans (Ian Ellis), Tom Briggs; Ben Uphill (Jonny Gethin), Sion Crocker (Garin Lloyd), Tyla Murvai (Marc Jones); Lee Evans, Rhys Morgan (Adam Harris); Elis Hopkins, Leon Ward, Ceri White (Iwan Davies) Other Replacement : Morgan Evans.

Proper Neath it was !

MATCH PREVIEW

 REFEREE – MR. GWYN MORRIS (CARDIFF)

ASSISTANT REFEREES – MR. RICHARD DEACY & MR. LLOYD HUGHES

 NEXT HOME GAME – CARDIFF  NOVEMBER 23rd 7.30pm

HOSPITALITY NEWS:

Neath Rugby hospitality will continue on Friday, 16th November for the Bargoed fixture at the Gnoll. The pre-match hospitality will start at 5:30pm with a two course meal and a post meal Q&A.

This is a great opportunity to try the new Neath Rugby hospitality experience which will be in place for every home league game. Recent hospitality events have been very successful and arrangements are being made to ensure that this experience continues for all home games. Details of the different hospitality packages for league fixtures can be found here: https://neathrfc.com/hospitality-2018-19/

Matchday hospitality is open to both Neath and Bargoed supporters.

Having enjoyed a delicious two course meal, supporters will have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in a Q&A session with a guest rugby speaker.

Entry to hospitality is £10.00 and match entry is £10. The hospitality suite overlooks the pitch so for those of you who wish to watch the whole game from the best view in the Gnoll, you are more than welcome to stay inside…
* Those without a season ticket using the HOSPITALITY PACKAGE will be required to purchase a match day ticket to watch the game on the day.

The on field action will then kick off at 7:30pm, as both Neath and Bargoed will be looking to be competitive in their respective Premiership league campaigns.

It is expected that we will have a big take up for this fixture so please book early by ringing the clubhouse on 01639 643328 or ringing Keith directly on 07741 999220 or Gerald on 07873787414.

Please could HOSPITALITY PACKAGE holders please contact either Keith or Gerald to confirm if you are attending to allow us to plan catering requirements.