Play for the Shirt

After last week’s diabolical loss in the cup, today Neath RFC took on unbeaten Pontypridd.  So many people, myself included, didn’t hold out much hope for a win, just that we needed a performance.  Coming away from the game tonight though, I’m gutted that we didn’t win.  Considering the circumstances of last week and of the past few years, this was one of the best Neath RFC performances in a long, long time.  It was full of passion, guts, commitment and skill, and we pushed Pontypridd all the way.

The first 40 minutes were pulsating, we just didn’t give Ponty time to settle and in the words of Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army “they didn’t like it up em.”  We took an early lead with two penalties and were 6 nil up, as you would expect from Champions Ponty came back and scored a fine try.  But instantly from the kick off we scored a sensational try through Jamie Davies and were back in the lead.  A bit of argy bargy as Ponty took offense at our temerity to stand up to them, and then we scored another try in the corner to go 18-7 up.  But just before half time they struck with a penalty to go in at the half just 8 points down.

The second half didn’t quite live up to the first 40 minutes, but we kept plugging away and sadly the referee started to take over the match.  At one point we were down to 13 men and he was making a mockery of the game.  As expected Pontypridd came back and scored a try, 18-17, and then with time running down they had a couple of shots at goal, converting one to take the lead 20-18.  But still we had one more chance as were awarded a penalty, but with no recognised kicker we couldn’t quite take it and it drifted wide.

The best thing about today was that we played for the shirt.  The all black kit with the Maltese cross is iconic and has so much history, so many great players have worn it and as a club we always ask for 100% commitment from our players, today they delivered.