Bridgend overwhelmed by Neath
April 21, 2000

Neath maintained their bright run of form as they destroyed Bridgend with seven tries in a lively Welsh-Scottish League encounter at The Gnoll, 43-7.

The victory maintains the Welsh All Blacks' slim hope of finishing in the top five and qualifying for the Heineken Cup.

Bridgend had no answer to Neath's superb ball retention, power on the drive and skill in midfield.

Two second half tries from James Storey and one apiece from Adam Jackson and Tristan Davies piled on the agony for the visitors.

Daniel Jones did claim a well-worked score in the final stages, but it was nothing more than a small conciliation for Dennis John's team. Neath's emphatic success follows impressive wins over Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd in recent weeks.

Lyn Jones's team turned around 19-0 in front after pulling clear with three tries, two of which fly half Cerith Rees converted.

Duncan Jones claimed the first when he profited from a line-out take by Brett Sinkinson to drive over from close range.

As play became increasingly scrappy, referee Hugh Watkins sent Neath number eight Shawn van Rensburg and Bridgend prop Matt Filipo to the sin bin after a protracted dust-up.

But Neath gradually asserted their authority, with wing Kevin James increasing their lead on 35 minutes when he collected a pass from Matt Singer to power over in the corner.

Before Bridgend could rally, powerful teenager James went over for his second try after excellent work by Neath's impressive centre partnership of Storey and Tristan Davies.

The one way traffic continued after the break as Bridgend found possession hard to come by.

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