Blacks see off Wanderers

Jan 14 2008 Tony Poole, Western Mail

Glamorgan Wanderers 22-35 Neath

WANDERERS coach Richard Hodges tipped the Blacks for yet another title after they shot into a 35-3 lead and left his side playing catch up.

“Individual errors cost us in the first half and they scored three key tries,” he said. “Without doubt Neath are the best side in the league, and I’ll be surprised if they don’t win the championship again.’’

Neath brushed Wanderers aside to replace Ebbw Vale at the top of the table, securing a bonus point on 54 minutes with a second try from flanker James Merriman.

Their four opening tries were all back row efforts with Merriman scoring twice, and one apiece going to captain and No 8 Lee Beach and Andrew Llewellyn – possibly the first time in club history this has arisen.

The return of centre Wayne Mitchell, after 18 months out with a groin injury, formed the other big plus, with the Wales U21 cap slotting in well beside Stephen Thomas.

The Blacks, whose tally included a 70th-minute penalty try after scrum pressure idled after going 35-3 up, to let Wanderers collect consolation tries for centre Aled James, full-back James Loxton and wing Jamie Jones.

“This was one of our best performances of the season,” said Neath head coach Rowland Phillips. “The control we set up was impressive, and Wanderers were unable to get in any blows until the game was beyond recall.