photo by Ian Lovell

Coach Jason Massey believes Aberavon Fighting Irish have a great chance of making the Welsh Conference play-offs this season after a nine-try victory over West Wales Sharks on Saturday. It was week five of the competition but the first time the Fighting Irish had played at their Little Warren home.

And after a tight opening quarter of the west division match, the Fighting Irish went to town to win 52-16, although the Sharks should have made it a lot closer when they twice came within touching distance of adding to their three tries.

Massey said: ''We are happy with the performance. If you look at our side, it is young.

''There are a couple of old heads coming back into the game but we have youth on our side and to bring some experienced players in will be excellent for us.

''I think we have a 100 per cent chance of getting into the play-offs. It was a really hot day but the boys stuck at it today.''

Hooker Mark Burke added: ''They tackled well but we are still making a few mistakes. Once we sort those out we have the makings of a decent machine.''

Stand-off Gareth Lewis was the mastermind of Aberavon's success as he scored four tries and converted eight of the touchdowns that came via Matthew Myers (2), Matthew Roberts, Richard Lewis and Ben Davies.

For the Sharks, who were 30-6 down at the break, it is still a case of learning the rugby league ropes, although they showed great promise and punished the Fighting Irish when they could.

Centre Mark Cooke got what is becoming an accustomed try in a match, while Ian Griffiths, another excellent talent, and wing Adam Jones added other touchdowns. Griffiths also booted two conversions.

Article by Gary Baker
25 June 2006