By Lestyn
February 2 2003

Munster made sure that Ireland retained the Celtic League, with a comfortable victory over a battling Neath side. In the only surviving Premiership game Newport beat Ebbw Vale.

Celtic League Final

Neath 17-37 Munster

Welsh National League - Premiership

Ebbw Vale 15 - 34 Newport
Cardiff P - P Bridgend
Pontypridd P - P Caerphilly

Welsh National League - First Division

Beddau 13 - 38 Bonymaen
Bedwas 52 - 18 Blackwood
Tredegar 0 - 0 Llanharan
Llandovery 16 - 32 Pontypool
Rumney 15 - 41 Carmarthen Quins
Treorchy 7 - 34 Newbridge
Whitland 0 - 40 Narberth
Tondu 24 - 25 Glamorgan Wanderers
Aberavon 23 - 5 Cross Keys
 

Neath's Celtic campaign ended with a whimper in the Celtic final to Munster, for all their commitment and passion they couldn't cut it with Munster, even when key outside half Ronan O'Gara limped off in the opening quarter. Poor discipline from the usual candidates James Storey and Alfie Mocelutu let them down big time. Barry Williams's injury didn't help with the disastrous line out's either. They never looked like breaching the Irish sides line.

Those supporters who travelled to Cardiff, from both sides created a great atmosphere. The large numbers from other Welsh club's saw the stadium about half full, it's a shame the match couldn't have lived up to it's billing. I can't see what difference it would make merging with Bridgend next season, if You look at the strength in depth of the Munster side. On the plus side the pitch looked good

Not much action in the Premiership, with both of Friday night's game's being frozen off. The Gwent derby went ahead, even Tony Brown got in this time. The match was one of two halves, Ebbw had the 1st and Newport had the second. The home side led 15-6 at half time, before Newport scored 31 unanswered points in the second.


Cardiff and Ponty's decision to call off their games probably has a lot to do with how thin their squad's are, and with big game in midweek who can blame them?

Contrary to popular opinion, Steve Hansen does know that Neath do exist. The straight talking Kiwi was at the Millennium stadium today, but I'm sure He wouldn't have been to impressed with the standard of play on offer from the third best Welsh club. James Storey and Shane Williams two player's He may have considered for the Six Nations looked at best average. Gareth Llewellyn and Andy Newman weren't great but surely should get in on default.

What did You think about the Final? and How can We blame Llanelli for this one ?