After a challenging 6-game winning sequence, Neath were unable to inject sufficient drive and energy into their game at Narberth where the home side ran out deserved winners.

The Dr. Lewis-Lloyd grounds were radiant in Spring-time splendour : warm sunshine and a strange absence of wind – other than on the part of some Neath supporters who had arrived early to sample the clubhouse wares.

Neath continued their rotation policy, resting players as best they could and there were first starts for scrum-half Rhodri Jones (Morriston) and Brynley Thomas (Baglan) who both made good impressions as replacements at Cardiff Metropolitan the previous week. Also included on a bench which of dire necessity featured five front rowers were two young newcomers in scrum-half Morgan Roach (Kenfig Hill) and prop Ben Harvey (Porthcawl).

Narberth too have their injury problems as they enter a crucial phase of the season in their battle to avoid relegation and, after a fast and open first ten minutes, it was the home side who took the lead from a scrum with a try by centre Aled Davies which outside-half Jon Rogers converted.

The pre-match loss of tight head prop Marley Lovell had severely disrupted Neath’s scrum and, other than a couple of strong runs by No.8 Jonny Evans, the All Blacks were finding it difficult to find their way into the game and sustain momentum. Narberth increased their lead when Rogers crossed for their second try which he converted himself.

Unable to make much headway, Neath’s line-out was one aspect which worked well and they fell back on their ‘tried and trusted’ which yielded tries for acting-captain Gethin Tremlett (his sixth of the season) and an injury-time effort by Sion Jones, our leading try-scorer.

Half-time – Narberth 14 points Neath 10 points

Neath have made a habit of winning games in the second-half recently and, with the conditions in their favour, ought to have gone on to take control. Ought to … but did not in an error-strewn second-half against battling Narberth intent on easing their worries.

Neath did have two good chances – once when an advancing maul was taken to ground on the Narberth line with Neath supporters expecting a penalty try and secondly when probably Neath’s best inter-play of the half ended in young Morgan Roach being tackled just short of the line.

Neath fell below their 5-try per game standard in a scruffy game but Narberth were not to be denied and the Otters made the game safe with two late penalties by man-of-the-match Rogers and comfortably hung on for a deserved win.

If Neath’s legendary Wales prop Brian Williams was looking down, he might have afforded a gentle smile as the result mattered less to Neath than it did to his home club who rightly celebrated the four points gained and now need another four from three away games at Newbridge, Llanelli Wanderers and Brecon.

Neath must now re-group and collect their energies for the final home game of the season against Llangennech at The Gnoll on Wednesday evening (kick off 7.30pm) – a game which will give home supporters the opportunity to belatedly acclaim the Cup winners.

NARBERTH – A Sutton; S Pierce, A Davies (H Nicholas), R Davies, I Phillips; J Rogers, J Thomas (N Setaro); G Rossiter (B Davies), T Clarke (K Hamer), R Rees (T Kaijaks); S Martin (K Allen), T Powell (capt); D Rotie (D Williams), C Salmon, S Davies (J Delaney)

NEATH – S Williams; L Hawkes, J Bayliss, S Wilcox (B Williams), L Rees; I Morgan, R Jones (M Roach); J Jones (M Morgan), S Jones (K Jones), M Lovell (B Harvey); M Davies, B Thomas; Jordan Evans, Jonny Evans, G Tremlett (capt)      (T Richards) (M Little)

Referee – Mr J Davies (Porthcawl)

Images courtesy of Len Kowalski:   www.lensworkphotography.co.uk
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