Neyland bag big win

Neyland gained a convincing home win against New Dock Stars at the Athletic Ground on Sunday afternoon, although the win was marred by an injury to former captain and prop Martyn Dawes, who hurt his neck and was taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays.

As a result the game was held up for 30 minutes - and all local rugby supporters will wish the loyal front row a speedy recovery.

The game had also started late because New Dock Stars were delayed in a search for a team - and the All Blacks began with a bang as Colin Picton stood out an early set-piece and took out the cover in a typically robust charge before popping the ball up for winger Jason Riley to take the scoring pass, full back Nicky Greggain converting from wide out.

But the Stars fought back and scored a soft try after a Neyland ball was let loose in midfield and centre Mark Howell hacked through and won the race for an unconverted try, but sustained a hamstring injury in the process and was forced to retire.

Then Martyn Dawes was injured and when the game finally restarted the Stars took the lead with a penalty by full back John James.

But the lead was short-lived after James Picton had come on as prop replacement, the All Blacks grabbing two tries in quick succession as first Martin Tamilia set up the chance for Picton to slice through and then came the try of the match as Tamilia launched an attack from deep and quick hands by Mathew Willliams, Picton and skipper Chris Busby allowed Ben Lloyd to dive over as reward for all his work in the second row.

Greggain converted both and sandwiched in between he landed a penalty after Mark Riley had been penalised but then tripped up by a Stars forward, the referee reversing the decision as a result.

This 24-8 interval advantage was soon increased as James Picton led a charge to the corner before Adrian Riley drew the last line of defence to send Colin Picton over for his second try.

Then good interplay on the flank by Martin Tamilia and Jason Riley saw Tamilia cross and Greggain converted well, as he did when he sped over for a try after joining the line from full back and beating both covering centre and full back.

Mathew Willliams helped put up the 50 points as he broke the tackle at a scrum five and fed Mark Riley, Greggain converting to take his personal tally to 22 points.

To be fair to New Dock, they never gave up trying and were rewarded with a late consolation try when prop Meirion Thomas rounded off a move from close range - but it mattered little because Neyland were already home and dry for their best win of the season and with coach Tony Huddleston pleased by some of the quality rugby that his side played.

Neyland: Nicky Greggain: Simon Phillips (Steve Roberts); Lee Perkins (Delme Bateman); Martin Tamilia; Jason Riley: Mark Riley; Paul Power: Martyn Dawes (James Picton); Richard Banner; Mark Smith: Ben Lloyd; Chris Busby: Adrian Riley; Colin Picton; Mathew Williams (Scott Gregory).