The Fighting Irish opened the Aberavon RL Festival with an emphatic victory over a game Cynon Valley Cougars at Aberavon's RFC's "World of Hurt". Several hundred spectators were treated to some superb expansive rugby league by the home side who included the speedy Richard Johnston, Chris Perry, and Sean O'Brien in their ranks. Although repeatedly denied by some strong Cougars tackling, for whom Craig Swift, Steve Bray, and Simon Davies were fearless, the Fighting Irish romped to a 38-4 interval lead with tries from skipper Dean Scully (2), Sean O'Brien, Danny Hawkins (2), Scott O'Kelly and Andy Llewellyn, five of which were converted by evergreen Mike Healy. Allan Davies, an Aberavon prospect guesting for the visitors scored a well deserved try just before the break following a sustained period of pressure near the Fighting Irish line.

Despite having centre Rob Mellin sin binned following a minor altercation in midfield, Aberavon continued to dominate after the break and the introduction of prop forwards Mark Thomas and Simon Baillie caused further problems for the stretched Cougars defence. Further tries were almost inevitable and these were claimed by Chris Perry, Baille, Richard Lewis and Mike Healy (2), one of those following a scything run from inside his own half. Healy converted four to bring his personal tally to 26 and set a new club record. The never say die attitude of the Cougars brought regular applause from the home fans and their efforts were rewarded with tries by Mark Jones and the tireless Martin Williams, Craig Thomas converting one.