Whites fightback in vain as Welsh All Blacks prevail

NEATH fought off a late Swansea charge to guarantee they finished above the Whites in the Premiership ahead of the split.

The Welsh All Blacks finish the first half of the season in 14th, with Bargoed’s win against Newport meaning Swansea slumped to the basement of the table.

Matthew Pearce and Ed Howley crossed midway through the second half to give the Welsh All Blacks a seven-point lead, but Jordan Collier’s yellow card and Ryan Evans’ late try ensured a tense finale.

Swansea could not find a dramatic winner as Neath were able to cling on for victory.

It was a lacklustre opening half of uninspiring rugby that matched the two lowly sides. It took 25 minutes to see the first points as Whites outside-half Jack Wilson kicked a penalty. Howley replied ten minutes later to tie the game, before Wilson nudged the visitors ahead with another three points before the break.

Pearce’s try hoisted Neath into the lead as Howley converted, before the wing dotted down for a try of his own and added the extras to put the hosts in command, 17-6 ahead.

But flanker Collier’s sinbin allowed Swansea the extra space, with Evans going over to keep the All Blacks sweating, but it proved too late for a comeback win.

The two sides will lock horns again in the newly formed Tier Two of the Premiership. Star man Ed Howley - Neath