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Fighting Irish 37 Titans 10
Figting Irish down the Titans
Despite a lack lustre first half performance against one of the Summer Conference’s most improved teams, Aberavon Fighting Irish turned up the pressure after the break, to run out convincing 37 – 10 winners over Gwent visitors Newport Titans.

Coached by dual international David Watkins, Newport have made giant strides since their narrow opening day defeat against an injury ravaged Fighting Irish, and their resounding victory over a fancied Torfaen Tigers outfit during the recent Bank Holiday period, displayed their play–off credentials. But they arrived at a breezy Little Warren minus a few of their key players, and despite an impressive opening quarter, were no match for an Aberavon side for who Taibach’s James Jones and Glyncorrwg based Rhodri Milsom were making their debuts.

In Lee Blanks, Newport possess a powerful centre, with an eye for a gap and the pace to exploit it, and he opened the scoring after six minutes with a try converted by Neil McKim his fellow centre. Aggressive and sure in the tackle Blanks looks capable of breaking into the Wales ‘A’ set up, and it will be no surprise to see him feature in the squad that travels to Glasgow to take on Scotland on July 3rd.

Aberavon too, have some stars of their own, and in two try hero Mark Burke, they have one of the Conference’s most promising players. Having just turned 18 and still eligible for Youth rugby next season, young Hirwaun product Burke has got it all; pace, aggression, courage and the full armoury of skills – and his second try, near the end of this absorbing encounter, saw him break through five would be tacklers with his trademark weaving run, to outstrip the Newport defence and go over unopposed from a full 60 metres. Already, Burke has come to the attention of the St. Helens Superleague Club, and if he maintains this level of progress, he could well be plying his trade on the bigger stage in the not too distant future.

Burke’s first try, a close range effort converted by skipper Dean Scully, levelled the scores after 14 minutes, but the Titans struck back with another try by Neil McKim to take the lead, four minutes later. But this was to be the last time that the visitors would trouble the scoreboard.

Matthew Rowlands, playing only his second game of rugby league, looked assured under the high ball at full back and powerful with the ball in hand, and his try 10 minutes before the interval was just reward for his efforts since taking up the game. Scully converted, and the
 

captain, who provides the essential steadying influence in the Aberavon midfield, went over himself on the stroke of half time for a try that he also converted to give the Fighting Irish an 18 – 10 interval lead.

Newport re-entered the fray after some stern words from their coaching staff during the break, and looked to be clawing their way back into the game when they lost their talisman Blanks with a dislocated finger, and with him went the Titans hopes of victory.

Unable to break down the well organised home defence, the Titans frustration began to show and referee Colin Neale (Treherbert), who had a fine day in the middle, showed the yellow card to Aberavon’s Richard Lewis and Newport’s Scott Hierene after they indulged in a bit of afters, following a tackle near the visitors try line.

This had the desired effect in cooling some frayed tempers, but also seemed to take the fizz out of the Newport effort. Within minutes, further scores for Aberavon, by pocket dynamo Dan Hawkins and Parkhouse Recruitment Man of the Match, Liam Gadd, both converted by Scully took the scores to 30 – 10 in favour of the home side and Newport’s hopes of the victory that would elevate them to second spot, had gone.

Classy loose forward Neil Davies, rumoured to be on his way to local union club Aberavon Wizards, next season, hammered another nail in the coffin of the men from Gwent with a neatly struck drop goal after 69 minutes and Burke`s long range effort, converted by the dependable Scully, rounded things off for the Fighting Irish 37-10.

Aberavon`s victory maintains their league position, hot on the heels of Bridgend Blue Bulls, and they have back to back encounters with Swansea Valley Miners this week, which should see them bag two more wins to keep the pressure on the league leaders.

Swansea visit the Little Warren this Wednesday 16th June for a rearranged league fixture , originally postponed due to the untimely death of young Aberavon Fighting Irish player Scott McCrorie. The match kicks off at 7.15pm, and will be preceded by an Under 15`s challenge match between the two clubs, starting at 6pm.

On Saturday the Fighting Irish travel to Ystalyfera for the return fixture, kick off 2.30pm.

Article by John O'Callaghan
12 Jun 2004

 



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