By Paul (30/11/02)
November 30 2002

There will definitely be a Welsh club in the Celtic League Final, following the biggest shock's in the history of the tournament. Cardiff came back from a 13 point deficit to stun Edinburgh. Neath also made their way into the semis, with a dogged display against Ponty.

Friday 29th November

Pontypridd 12 Neath 13

Munster 33 Connacht 3

 

Saturday 30th November

Glasgow 17 Ulster 20

Edinburgh 22 Cardiff 26

 

Two very brave away performances by both Neath and Cardiff, in what were in all honesty very dire games in dire weather conditions.

 

Pontypridd versus Neath was a poor display in which Neath came out of with the win and a home tie in the next round. From the start Pontypridd failed to show the exciting and entertaining style of rugby which we have been used to seeing this season and as a result they lost the game.

Cardiff trailed Edinburgh by 19 points to 6 at half time, without really a hope. But from no-where the Blue & Blacks made their way back into the match, Full Back Rhys Williams running in unopposed between the sticks. Dogged defending kept the Gunners out, how ever much the away side's scrum quaked. With a shock win sensed, a Cardiff line out led to Ryan Powell burrowing his way over from short range, Harris converted. The Blue & Blacks hanging on to win famously 26-22.

 

January the 4th will certainly a date to look forward to, although unfortunately yet more ludicrous planning by the "Organisers", with the Gnoll being used and not a neutral venue. The stadium can only hold eight and a half thousand fan'sat the moment.

 

Next week all attention returns to Europe, with Six Anglo-Welsh ties to look forward to. In the Heineken Cup Llanelli travel to Sale, Cardiff also travel to Northampton, Swansea and Newport host Bristol and London Irish respectively. In the Parker Pen Challenge Ponty and Bridgend host Leeds and Bath respectively.

 

Also in action are Neath who travel to Italy, hoping to avenge last years embarrassing defeat against Calvisano. In the Parker Pen Shield, Caerphilly also travel to Italy to face Rovigo, well Ebbw play Spanish amateurs Madrid 2012.

Celtic League Semi Final Draw (3/4 January)

Neath v Cardiff

Munster v Ulster