Tonmawr give Neath a big fright in losing on try count

Feb 18 2008 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

NEATH were given the fright of their lives by Division One West leaders Tonmawr before going through by virtue of a 3-2 try count.

The match ended 20-20 after the home side led 20-10 late on but Blacks tries from James Merriman and Matthew Nuthall, his second of the match, saved them an embarrassing exit.

Two tries from ex-Neath captain Gareth Morris was Tonmawr’s reward for a magnificent display but proceedings ended sourly when Tonmawr flanker Dean Fitzgerald was given a red card after the final whistle for verbally abusing the referee.

Division Three Tondu were no match for Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park as they conceded 10 tries in a 62-7 romp.

Wing John Williams scored a hat-trick of home tries, Greg Roberts and Aaron Coundley claiming two apiece, while Sam Rees notched the Waterwheelers’ consolation try, which was converted by Dean Thomas.

Poor goalkicking cost Bedwas their place in the competition as they went down 21-14 at home to Newport.

Matthew Pizey scored Bedwas’s only try while the Black & Ambers went over twice through Craig Hill and Nathan Williams.

The visitors also won the kicking duel, Dan Griffiths adding 11 points to nine by Stuart Thomas.

In the other last 16 tie, Cross Keys comfortably repelled the challenge of Newport Saracens 32-8. Jason Forster, formerly of the Dragons and Wales, marked an emotional return to Pandy Park with the minnows’ try.

Although it was just 11-5 to Keys at the midpoint, they proved too strong as Lloyd Burns, Leon Andrews, Dan Preece and Marcus Johnstone all crossed.