The first clash between the Welsh All Blacks of Neath and the Wiltshire All Blacks of Royal Wootton Bassett resulted in a third pre-season win out of three for the home club.

It was a pity that heavy rain struck South Wales on Saturday although parched rugby pitches were grateful and The Gnoll ground simply drank up the moisture.

A hard pitch beneath a soaked surface is not conducive to rugby football though and, as the incessant rain blew in on the wind, it made conditions difficult for both teams who struggled to come to terms with it all.

The rain restricted the attendance so around 500 hardy souls viewed from the shelter of the grandstand but, despite both teams’ attempts to open up play, their best efforts generally foundered in the wet and there was a high error count.

Neath had first wind advantage but the visitors made the stronger start retaining possession through the phases and the home side established a toe-hold through a couple of strong charges by Steff Lewis who was playing at flanker alongside skipper Ben Williams and Gethin Tremlett.

In the conditions, the home back row needed to be in the thick of things as were the visitors trio of Tom Mustoe, captain Gavin Ougard and Ollie Baycroft who were well backed up by John Jewell on a difficult day for scrum-halves.

The first score was some 25 minutes in coming and it went to Neath as RWB conceded a scrum five and, after sound work by the home forwards, centre Kieran Charles dashed over for a try which outside-half Paul Short converted.

However, RWB wasted no time in levelling the score as tackles were missed and full back Scott Douglas crossed for a fine try which outside half Sam Baker converted.

Neath were struggling to get their game together but, five minutes before the break, lock Matthew Davies reached over for their second try of an error-strewn half.

Half-time – Neath 12 points Royal Wootton Bassett 7 points

The visitors had the advantage of the elements in the second-half and, when Neath lost prop Marley Lovell for not releasing, things looked up for RWB.

Referee Andrew Moule (Port Talbot) was doing his best to keep the game flowing in the worsening rain and it was Neath who increased their lead as they camped themselves in front of the Town End.

Neath failed to make anything of a huge overlap but a good advantage brought the teams back for a penalty from which Matthew Davies bagged his second try which man-of-the-match Paul Short converted.

Full back Iestyn Morgan broke out but failed to find support and a try-chance was lost as Neath changed virtually their whole team and the game entered a disjointed phase which was broken when visiting centre Semi Nakoko evaded a couple of tackles to score a second try for the visitors.

Try as the sides might, there was no further scoring before the two teams happily trooped off to the shelter of the dressing-rooms. RWB were probably happier with their performance than were Neath who can and must do better.

Having won all of their three warm-up games, Neath get down to league business next Saturday with the visit of Welsh club champions Merthyr to The Gnoll (kick off 2.30pm) knowing that a lot of work is required beforehand.

NEATH – I Morgan; J Bayliss, S Harris, K Charles, M Meaclem; P Short, C Tantum; M Morgan, K Jones, M Lovell; M Davies, J Barley; S Lewis, B Williams (capt), G Tremlett

Repl. L Hawkes, N Orrells, D Ceredig, C Davies, J Skeels, J Daniel; J Jones, T Richards, T Dabeh, J Hughes, J Blackmore, C Williams, J Evans

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT – S Douglas; J Murray, S Nakoko, S Marsden, M Clifton; S Baker, J Jewell; C Roshier, M Gough, H Santacroce; S Robinson, S Collier; T Mustoe, S Ougard (capt), O Baycroft  Repl. C Chamberlain, J Jamieson, H Murphy, C Toon

Referee – Mr A Moule (Port Talbot)

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