Neath Team Manager Martyn Morris has praised his side for coming through three games in eight days with a perfect 3 wins out of 3 record, saying, “As we entered this particular phase of the season, we stressed to our developing squad the importance of the Maesteg and Cardiff games to us and what we wanted to achieve.”

Neath beat Cardiff 40-23 at The Gnoll, then Maesteg 26-nil again at home before finishing off with a 28-23 victory over Cardiff at the Arms Park on Wednesday.

“We took a positive stance into the games and there was a lot gained from fixtures outside the League confines so it was mission accomplished really ahead of tougher challenges to come,” said Morris.

“We introduced several players on permit and there were encouraging performances from our regulars who played and from guys on the fringe of the squad.

“We thank the local clubs – Bonymaen, Crynant, Glynneath, Maesteg and Neath Athletic – for readily granting permits during this phase.

“We are making progress and take a lot of encouragement – especially from the Arms Park game – and, while there were no league points at stake, this interlude has given us a good launch-pad for holiday league games against Aberavon (Boxing Day) and Carmarthen Quins (home on New Year’s Eve).”