Aberavon 29 v 16 Whites
13 Dec 2008 - Talbot Athletic Ground
Christmas came early for Aberavon as Swansea gifted wrapped two first half tries as they fell to yet another defeat with an error ridden display. The Whites will be disappointed that they were unable to put on a better performance, especially as the match was broadcast live on Welsh television channel S4C.
The Wizards started the better side and were awarded a third minute penalty after Rhys Jones held on in the tackle but despite fly half Jamie Davies finding touch deep in the corner the move broke down. It was the visitors who took the lead with a James Dixon penalty goal after Aberavon were caught offside in the ruck.
The Wizards responded just four minutes later with a patient build up by the pack feeding Richard Carter, who showed a sharp turn of pace to race outside his man and score under the posts. Jamie Davies converted. Swansea hit back after the home forwards piled in over the top of a ruck with Dixon successfully converting a penalty from out wide.
Number eight Marc Popham was caught out at a scrum and forced to hold on after the tackle. Jamie Davies duly converted the penalty goal. The Aberavon fly half had a chance to add another three points after hands in the ruck by the Whites but he put his effort wide. Disaster struck for Swansea on the half hour mark as full back Jonny Lewis spilled the ball from a Jamie Davies high kick leaving winger Richard Thomas in for an easy try. Jamie Davies converted.
Half-Time:- Aberavon 17 Swansea 6
Swansea look determined after the interval and a superb break by Chris Shelmerdine was well supported by David Watts and set up a dangerous attack only for Aberavon to secure turnover ball. A high tackle gave Swansea a kickable penalty but Dixon put his effort wide.
Holding the ball on the floor gave the Whites another penalty chance and this time Dixon made no mistake to narrow the deficit to 9-17. Carter came close to scoring his second try with a chip and chase but he was squeezed into touch.
The Wizards piled a huge amount of pressure on the Swansea line and it told in the end as flanker Chris Davies crashed over for a try. Jamie Davies converted from out wide. The home side were awarded a further penalty and opted for a scrum and former All White Rory Gallagher crashed over from the set piece to secure a bonus point for his side. Jamie Davies failed with the conversion. To their credit Swansea didn’t give up and replacement Leigh Bevan scored a consolation try in the corner from a well timed chip ahead. Dixon converted.
The defeat keeps Swansea in 11th place in the Principality Premiership but with Bedwas and Llandovery creeping ever closer the next few league matches could become crucial in shaping the Whites’ season. Next Saturday will be a respite from the league as Swansea tackle Bala in the Swalec Cup.
Full-Time:- Aberavon 29 Swansea 16
Venue:- Talbot Athletic Ground
Weather:- Cloudy, 5C
Competition:- Principality Welsh Premiership
Referee:- Neil Ballard
Aberavon Scorers:- Carter (Try), J. Davies (3 Cons, Pen), R. Thomas (Try), C. Davies (Try), Gallagher (Try)
Swansea Scorers:- Dixon (3 Pens, Con), Bevan (Try)
Swansea Team:- 15 J. Lewis (rep: L. Bevan) 14 Rhys Jones 13 R. Payne 12 D. Watts (rep: J. Stuart) 11 C. Shelmerdine 10 J. Dixon 9 P. Tucker (rep: N. Jones) 1 T. Evans (rep: Roy Jones) 2 A. Wyn-Davies (rep: O. Phillips) 3 A. Clatworthy 4 M. Collins (rep: H. Alford) 5 R. Kelly 6 S. Kiley 7 M. Evans 8 M. Popham (rep: D. Leonard)
By Paul Hopkins
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