On a hot and sunny afternoon at Ystalyfera RFC Swansea Bulls and Aberavon Fighting Irish served up a sensational local derby, the partisan crowd being thoroughly entertained by the handling and fierce tackling of both sides. Aberavon seized the lead through a Scott O'Kelly try after only two minutes as they capitalised on an early Swansea handling error.

Scrum half Mike Healy converted but the Bulls fought back with some hard hitting defence in the shape of prop Craig Jones and stand off Richard Thomas which forced a succession of uncharacteristic errors from the visitors.

Aberavon eventually produced a flowing move that saw right wing Darren Griffiths outflank the Swansea defence to score in the corner but Richard Thomas was rewarded for his endeavour when he grabbed the host’s first points. Scrum half Gareth John converted but Swansea handed the initiative back to Aberavon and they took full advantage with impressive centre Darren Ryan and second row Andy Llewellyn both scoring tries after excellent combination work in midfield.

With Mike Healy converting both tries the Fighting Irish led 6-24 at the break. Strong words at half time from both sets

of coaching staff appeared to galvanise the teams with former Wales Rugby League coach Clive Griffiths an interested spectator. Early second half pressure  from Swansea lead by strong running props Richard Scannell and Craig Jones went un rewarded as Aberavon broke away and scored a further try through Jason Massey. Swansea again showed commendable spirit, resilience and commitment, and in an enthralling twenty minute period they held the much heralded Aberavon side at bay and registered sixteen unanswered points.
Tries were scored by impressive debutante centre Jamie Rees, prop Craig Jones and inspirational loose forward Ivor Chowings. With Gareth John kicking two further conversions there was only eight points between the sides and the possibility of a famous upset with just fifteen minutes remaining.

Aberavon then demonstrated their class by upping the intensity and scoring two further touchdowns through centre Rob Mellin and hooker O'Kelly, Rees replying for the Bulls. The match ended with Aberavon sealing victory with a fantastic try from second row Simon Bailey from thirty metres out, which saw him break the line and then round the full back.