Division 3 West: Cardigan 20-25 Neyland

The early season momentum of Neyland continues to roll after the All Blacks notched a bonus point win at Cardigan on Saturday.

The away side were struggling early on as they trailed 10-0, with home full back John Lumb taking a high ball in his own half before countering with a brilliant run to score.

And 20 minutes in it got worse when home player coach Colin Davies charged over from No 8 for the second unconverted try.

Neyland stormed back though and hooker Gavin Campbell drove over from close range, before a penalty from Cardigan No 10 Iwan John made it 13-5.

But just before the break Neyland reduced the deficit again when winger Delme Bateman scored in the corner.

And the league leaders then upped the ante after the break as winger Henry Mcbeth pounced to score after the away forwards had won a scrum against the head near the Cardigan line.

That made it 13-15 and then came the bonus point try when scrum half George Evans chipped ahead, and then gathered the loose ball for a try that full back Patrick Bellerby converted.

But in a pulsating second half, back came The Teifisiders and an interception try from Llyr Jones, converted by John, set up a tense finale.

However a late penalty from Bellerby, who had been wayward with the boot in the first half, put his team 25-20 ahead and ensured that Graham Richards’ side would go into the two week break from league action top of Division Three West A.

“We were 10 points down in first quarter but then we to it,” said Neyland assistant coach Steve Evans.

“We had a few missing and that is why we had players switched around, like Ben William starting in the centre, but we played well and possibly left another 20 points out there.

“And we will always take a win at a tough place to go.”

This Saturday, the All Blacks play in the second round of the National Bowl, and have a home tie with Cefneithin.

Neyland: Patrick Bellerby, Delme Bateman, Alex Codd, Ben Williams, Henry Mcbeth, George Williams, George Evans, Eugene Grice, Gavin Campbell, Mark James, Ben James, Luke Dawes, Owain Evans, Iestyn Evans. Replacements: Chris Morgan, Richard Jones, Jack Richards.