R League: Steelers in play-offs

Jul 12 2007 by Andrew Pugh, Celtic

Neath Port Talbot Steelers 28 Torfaen Tigers 36

NPT Steelers may have lost their last game of the season but still qualified for the Welsh rugby league conference play offs

The Steelers’ Ed Tooley got the first points on the board, before the Tigers pulled ahead with two tries from Craig Sulway and Craig Jones, Gareth Jenkins converting the first.

The balance of the first half swung either way, with Gareth Moore’s try for the Steelers followed by a try for Wales A international and Torfaen Tiger Jason Hill.

The Steelers then produced the try of the game when Rhodri Milson picked the ball up on his own line and ran the length of the pitch to touch down.

Conversions added by Gareth Jenkins levelled the scores at 16-16.

But, unfortunately for the Steelers, the Tigers began to run away with the game thanks to a couple of tries before half-time.

Matthew Davies and Scott Bendon touched down and Jenkins converted one to make it 26-16 at the break.

Gareth Moore scored his second try after the restart, Blethyn adding the conversion.

The Tigers responded with two more tries by Gareth Davies.

The Steelers scored a consolation try just before the final whistle when Matthew Roberts crossed to make it 28-36 at the final whistle.

Corus Coach Mike Healy said: “It was a huge improvement on recent games despite the loss. We’re never overwhelmed by them, and they managed to grind out the game.

“All-in-all it’s been a successful season and it’s good to make the play-offs again. I’m confident that with the right type of rugby we can make it to the finals once more. No matter what happens we will be back next year.”