Wizards work their magic with second-half comeback

ABERAVON bounced back from their shock 36-22 loss at Llanelli last weekend by comfortably beating rivals Neath at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

The Wizards trailed 8-5 at half time but weaved their magic in the second half to return to winning ways in stylish fashion.

Neath, meanwhile, are now five games without a victory as they continue their slump down the West conference.

Joe Tomalin Reeves crossed for Aberavon’s first try inside five minutes, with outside-half James Garland – on his 30th birthday – missing the conversion.

Ed Howley also went wide from the boot for Neath but he redeemed himself minutes later with three-points.

And it got better for Neath when Sion Crocker went over to hoist them ahead at the break.

Aberavon unleashed their comeback with William Price crossing six minutes after the break.

Liam Popham and Ben Jones then added two tries in two minutes to put the hosts comfortably ahead before birthday boy Garland got in on the action with a 63rd-minute dropgoal.

Charlie Davies scored for Neath with Mike Wilson going over for Aberavon’s fifth. Richard Smith found Neath’s third try but it was the Wizards who had the last laugh as David Pritchard crossed with Garland converting.

Neath now have just two league wins this season. Star man Ben Davies - Aberavon