Neath RFC 29 – 12 Bonymaen RFC
Boxing Day Friendly | The Gnoll
Bonymaen RFC made the short trip to The Gnoll on Boxing Day for an arranged friendly against Neath RFC, with a great festive crowd and plenty of noise from the travelling support.
It was a proper Boxing Day contest from the off, with both sides getting stuck in. Neath edged the opening half, but Bonymaen stayed right in the fight and went into the break just 12–7 down, showing real grit and defensive effort. Bonymaen’s try came in the first half, keeping the scoreboard tight.
Neath pushed on after the break, but Bonymaen never stopped working and were rewarded again with a second-half try. Andrew Pritchard and Levi Perry both crossed the whitewash across the two halves, with Perry’s try marking his first senior score for the Bonymaen 1st XV. Lawrence Thomas added the conversion.
It was also a big day for Charlie Connick, who made his 1st XV debut away at the Gnoll and handled the occasion brilliantly.
Despite the final scoreline, there were plenty of positives. Tom Poole put in a huge shift and was deservedly named Man of the Match, leading from the front throughout the afternoon.
Off the field, the Bonymaen supporters were superb, filling the Gnoll with loud renditions of Tom Jones classics, creating a brilliant atmosphere and showing their support right to the final whistle.
A tough but enjoyable Boxing Day friendly, plenty of effort, some special moments, and top-class support — exactly what festive rugby is all about
