Neath forced to battle

Apr 7 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

NEATH held their nerve to come from behind in exciting fashion against Cross Keys during a classic quarter-final confrontation.

Few gave Keys a chance when they trailed 22-5 in the 38th minute, but by the hour mark then had turned things around and led 23-22.

The Blacks were rattled, but a strong mental attitude then pulled them through – and they registered 22 unanswered points.

“In the end we needed our leaders to pull us out of a sticky patch – and they weren’t found wanting,” declared Neath head coach Rowland Phillips.

“Jonathan Spratt gave us direction and tempo at a key stage of this exceptional tie, but, in fairness to Cross Keys, they once more pushed us all the way.’’

Keys with just one semi-final appearance to their name – a 60-3 loss against Swansea at Pontypridd back in 1999 – upped the tempo during the third quarter to make another a distinct possibility.

Full-back Leon Andrews and centre Carl Pocock both touched down, and for older fans there were shades of 1977 when Keys beat Neath for the only time in the cup.

Gradually, Neath came off the ropes and their star man, Ospreys’ centre Jonathan Spratt, set up tries for both Stephen Thomas and captain Lee Beach.

The tide had turned and, with the scare over, a further try from full-back Gareth King booked Neath a 14th place in the semi-finals.

“Neath have got some big players, and they made a big difference after we went 23-22 up,” said Cross Keys coach Robert Beale.

“During the first half, we showed them too much respect, but the boys came out fighting during the second half and it all made for an excellent tie.’’