Swansea leave no room for doubt

NEATH’S 150th anniversary celebrations got off to a familiar start as they welcomed their oldest rivals, Swansea to The Gnoll.

Neath played Swansea in their first official fixture in the 1871/72 season in a game in which the outcome was “disputed”.

There was no dispute 150 years later as the Whites won 17-14.

Jay Williams’ side raced into a 17-0 lead early in the second half, although in the end were happy to hang on as Neath hit back with two late tries.

Hooker Owen Thomas opened the scoring for the visitors and outside half James Davies added the extras and then converted a second try to make it 14-0 at the break. Davies then kicked a penalty before Neath hit back.

Back row man David Griggs and centre Ryan Evans both scored.

Aberavon completed their pre-season build-up with a 40-29 victory at

Llandovery.

Centre Chay Smith, full back Chris Banfield, No.8 Andrew Waite, wing Matthew Jenkins and flankers Lee Purnell and Lloyd Evans scored their tries and Aled Thomas converted five of them.

Further good news for Jason Hyatt’s side came in the announcement that former Ospreys and Wales U20 centre Joe Thomas has returned from playing in the United States to sign for the Wizards.

There were only two games in the WRU Championship Cup and

Narberth’s 25-16 home win over Trebanos means they only need to get a point in the rematch this weekend to ensure winning Group 4.

Ystrad Rhondda are also unbeaten in Group 2 after they condemned

Glamorgan Wanderers to a 45-17 defeat.

They scored seven ties despite playing for an hour with only 14 men after hooker Liam Wiggins was sent-off for making contact with the head of a Wanderers player with his forearm.