Neath 17Â Bucuresti 0
A first-half penalty try and second-half score by prop Martin Jones were both converted by outside half Howard Thomas as the three-times Principality Premiership champions stamped their authority to nil the ill-disciplined Romanians.
“The way the boys played tonight shows the capability and effort of this squad,” said Phillips, after the stormy encounter that saw referee Mathew Aplin brandish three red and four yellow cards.
Bucuresti back row pair Zebega Bogdan, Macovei Mihai and Neath No.8 Andy Llewellyn were all expelled for their part in a first-half brawl. Visiting captain Mersoiu Costica, Lazar Mihai, and Coste Alin all received cautions as did home prop Ashleigh James.
Bucuresti fielded 12 Romanian internationals, a stark contrast to a Neath side which showed 11 changes from their Konica Minolta Cup win over Swansea last weekend and the victory was satisfying for Phillips who said, “Neath Rugby are proud of their commitment to develop young talent in Wales and in the region.”
It was a slow start from both teams who struggled to play in blustery conditions. Outside half Dumbrava Danut was wide with an early penalty and when Costica was yellow carded after 18 minutes Neath forwards punished the indiscretion with a march to the line.
Their persistence paid off and the first score came when referee Aplin awarded a penalty try, converted by Thomas. Moments later the two opposing props and James and Mihai were awarded yellow cards as tempers began to flare. Neath punished the visitors with a penalty by Thomas from 25 metres to take a 10-nil lead.
The closing stages of the first half saw a mass brawl erupt between the two teams, and Bucuresti replacement prop Bogdan, flanker Mihai and Neath No.8 Llewellyn were all red carded. Frustration was clearly the cause for the visitors aggression, as their set pieces and line-outs failed to function.
Bucuresti came out after the break all guns blazing and they were camped on the home try line, desperately seeking a way back into the match. The 13 men tirelessly fought to get over the Neath line, forcing the Blacks to defend for long periods but failed to turn pressure into points.
It was Neath prop forward Martin Jones who scored the try that sealed the match on the hour mark. The forwards took up the challenge after winning good line-out ball from Kieran Ruddock, son of former Wales Coach Mike, and Jones bundled over to round off the scoring.
