By Harry Corish
The clouds finally parted over Port Talbot yesterday as fans arrived back at the Talbot Athletic Ground for this season’s opening round of the Indigo Premiership.
And while it was a long-awaited derby showdown between Aberavon and Neath, and two clubs with a colourful history, it was the Wizards’ Frankie Jones who stole the show.
The winger put in a versatile performance, finishing off the game at outside centre and making some important defensive efforts, having scored two tries earlier in the game.
The hosts took early control of the game, scoring two tries courtesy of a first-minute effort from Jones and a penalty try.
For recently promoted Neath, it wasn’t the start to the season they were hoping for, but the Welsh All Blacks fought back with two tries of their own just before the break.
Aberavon’s Premiership experience shone through, however, helping them seal a 27-14 victory.
Jones said: “It was a typical tough and gritty performance from the squad today. It was always expected that things would be tight with a Neath and Aberavon derby, and that is exactly what we got.
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“It’s a first for me. It was a great occasion and a great win. Neath have been in the Championship for a while, so both sets of supporters have been waiting for this day and you could really feel the atmosphere with the delayed kick-off. These are the days you look forward to.
“We had to grind out a result; it wasn’t easy out there. The forwards had to dig deep and they were fantastic. The set piece is a huge weapon for us and we needed it to take control of the game.”
Jones fired Aberavon ahead with just minutes on the clock, with a stunning finish in the corner after some dazzling interplay between Steff Andrews and Jay Baker.
The hosts’ fearsome set piece was soon back to its devastating best in the opening exchanges, forcing referee Ben Breakspeer into awarding them with a well-earned penalty try.
Neath’s Sion Crocker also saw yellow for his role in slowing down Aberavon’s runaway maul.
@AberavonRFC my son Harry's first game watching the wizards today. #futurewizard pic.twitter.com/IKlGr55mQX
— Damien (@damiendavid123) September 2, 2023
“It’s always nice to get on the scoresheet. That’s a big focus for me this season, that and to get more involved with my hands on the ball,” added wing Jones.
“I’m pleased with my performance, but I’m more pleased with the squad’s effort.
“Your mind is always racing in the early stages. The boys had done well to square the defenders and I just had to finish in the corner.
“We practice those sorts of things, there wasn’t really any doubt in my mind. I just saw the chance and took it.”
The Welsh All Blacks showed glimpses of a fightback as they attempted to find a way back into the match and the visitors slowly but surely started to turn the tide, with Joe Hutchings fighting his way over the line after a spell of severe pressure.
It was Neath’s turn to provide the fire, with former Ospreys and Dragons winger Dafydd Howells finding space off his wing to dart under the posts, bringing the Wizards’ lead to just 15-14 at the break.
After a tense and mistake-ridden opening to the second half, the deadlock was broken by the experienced Rowan Jenkins.
It had been a while since the Wizards’ forward pack were able to take a stranglehold on the game, but their experience eventually told, as their cult hero crossed the line in style.
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Aberavon’s dominance up front continued, helping Jones to his second try of the evening, albeit a much easier attempt than his acrobatic finish early in the first half.
Neath searched for a losing bonus point towards the end of the game, but the hosts’ defence stood tall and held on for the win.
Jones added: “It’s another strong start to the season for myself and the team and, hopefully, we can continue this form for longer in the season.
“We hit a tricky patch after the first part of the season last year and I think we’ve learned from that.
“The aim is always to compete at the top and I don’t see why we can’t shock everyone this year.”
