Aberystwyth 0 v 67 Whites
19 Aug 2006 - Away
Swansea enjoyed the best possible start to the pre-season by hammering Division Three West side Aberystwyth 67-0. Coach Anthony Clement will undoubtedly be pleased by the way the new signings blended into the team. The injury problems that plagued the side at the end of last season seem to have cleared up with the return of captain Gareth Newman, Nicky Jones, David Watts and Ben Lewis.
The Whites began in a determined manner and registered their first try soon after kick off when flanker Lewis took a quick tap penalty that was fed to Watts, who found Newman on the angle with a scoring pass. Stuart Thomas converted. Just minutes later, Watts tore apart the home defence with a searing break but took the wrong option with an overlap gone begging. Stuart Thomas managed to tidy up the attack though and fed Noel Thomas who kept the move alive before handing a scoring pass to Nicky Thomas. Stuart Thomas converted.
Newman then grabbed a second try after a strong burst through the middle by Nicky Thomas set up a slick backs move with Stuart Thomas involved before Watts fired out the scoring pass. Stuart Thomas missed the conversion. A poor defensive mix up by the home side allowed Nicky Jones in for a soft try as he gathered his chip ahead with ease to score.
A Stuart Thomas led attack split open the Aber defence to allow Watts an overlap out wide from which he scored the Whites’ fifth try on the stroke of half time.
Half-Time:- Aberystwyth 0 Swansea 29
Swansea made twelve changes to the first half starting line up in an effort to give everyone suitable game time. Rory Gallagher ensured the Whites’ continued their scoring spree with an excellent solo try as he broke clear from thirty yards to score under the posts. Nicky Thomas converted.
Rhys Jones claimed the seventh try by crashing over from close range after playing a major role in the build up with a break down the wing. A powerful drive by the pack sent the Aberystwyth defence backwards and they were unable to stop Nicky Jones from touching down for his second try of the afternoon. Stuart Thomas converted.
Chris Shelmerdine was next on the score sheet as he finished off a clever move involving Rhys Jones, Richard Payne and Ricky Williams. Williams converted. A devastating surge forward by the Swansea pack forced the home side back over their own line with prop Craig Williams claiming the visitors’ tenth try. Ricky Williams converted. A huge hit by Rhys Jones forced the Aberystwyth defence backwards at the rate of knots with an error gifting Swansea a scrum five. With the pack in dominating form, Sam Kiley was able to score at ease at the base of the scrum.
The Whites’ performance must not be underestimated despite the strength of the opponents as the handling skills were excellent considering the poor weather conditions. With another friendly against Narberth on Wednesday due to take place, Clement’s men will hopefully be in good shape before the season’s opener at Cardiff.
Full-Time:- Aberystwyth 0 Swansea 67
Venue:- Plascrug, Aberystwyth
Weather:- Rain, 17C
Competition:- Friendly Match
Swansea Scorers:- Newman (2 Tries), S. Thomas (3 Cons), Nicky Thomas (Try, Con), N. Jones (2 Tries), Watts (Try), Gallagher (Try), Rhys Jones (Try), Shelmerdine (Try), R. Williams (2 Cons), C. Williams (Try), Kiley (Try)
First Half Swansea Team:- 15 R. Williams 14 Rhys Jones (rep: Nicky Thomas) 13 R. Payne 12 D. Watts 11 C. Shelmerdine (rep: N. Jones) 10 S. Thomas 9 J. Hooper 1 Roy Jones 2 D. Colclough 3 L. May 4 D. Lloyd-Jones 5 Noel Thomas 6 M. Popham 7 B. Lewis 8 G. Newman (Capt)
Second Half Swansea Team:- 15 Nicky Thomas 14 Rhys Jones (rep: J. Hooper) 13 C. Shelmerdine 12 D. Watts (rep: R. Payne) 11 N. Jones 10 S. Thomas (rep: R. Williams) 9 D. Pittard 1 C. Williams 2 A. James 3 M. Jones 4 I. Evans (rep: R. Kelley) 5 R. Davies 6 A. Gwynne 7 R. Gallagher 8 S. Kiley
By Paul Hopkins
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