In the first fixture between the two clubs since 2021, Neath just about stayed ahead of Bedwas in a mistake-ridden game played in perfect conditions at The Gnoll.

Bedwas lost lock Gethyn Cannon in the warm-up and Neath took the field minus a handful of regulars engaged in Paul Short’s wedding and had Iestyn Morgan, Willis Wood, Jack Powell and Kamren Harris making their first league starts of the season and with Kaden Davies and Lewis Jones poised for first shows off the bench.

The visitors had first use of the breeze but Neath started stronger with the forwards taking the game to the visitors enabling the All Blacks to take the lead through a try by hooker Kian Jones.

Lock Brynley Thomas was replaced by Jacob Blackmore but no sooner had the latter joined the fray than he left it after receiving a yellow card.

Neath continued to set the pace but Bedwas defended admirably although Neath felt that they scored another when acting-captain Jack Powell crossed but was ruled to have been held up.

Neath were not to be denied – nor was their leader – for soon afterwards the loose-head bounced over triumphantly for his team’s second try and outside-half Steff Williams goaled to give Neath a 12-nil lead.

Bedwas had their moments in the half but the Neath tackling was strong and the defence – particularly the back rowers Will Pope, Casey Williams and Gethin Tremlett – was up to the mark

Half-time – Neath 12 points Bedwas nil

 The second-half was a disappointing affair as the errors by both sides continued and Neath frustrations heightened when Bedwas pulled back a try at the posts by lock Dan Wall and outside-half James Dixon converted.

Reinforced by some well-heeled replacements in Rhys Hutcherson, Gethyn Cannon and Dale Roger, Bedwas were making a good fist of it but Neath did not help their cause by missing two penalty kicks to the corner.

The All Blacks restored their lead when perhaps the most flowing spell of rugby of the afternoon saw play switched and good passes by Kian Jones and full back Iestyn Morgan sent wing Willis Wood in at the clubhouse corner and Steff Williams converted splendidly from the touch-line to make it 19-7.

There was still time for Bedwas to rally though and a midfield chip by Dixon somehow found its way back to welcoming visiting hands for centre Jake Lee to race across for the visitors’ second try which Dixon goaled.

As the clock ticked down, Neath put themselves under unnecessary pressure by conceding a couple of penalties and gave Bedwas one last chance to pull the game out of the fire – but it was not to be and Neath took the points.

NEATH – I Morgan; M Meaclem, K Charles (W Hepher), S Harris, W Wood; S Williams, C Tantum (K Davies);  J Powell (capt) (L Jones), K Jones (Morgan Hughes), K Harris (M Morgan); B Thomas (J Blackmore), M Davies; W Pope (R Barrow), C Williams (J Phillips),  G Tremlett

BEDWAS – T Kugler; W McKerw, R Peters, H Anderson; J Dixon, L Crane (capt); J Wiggins, M Dacey, J Rogers; B Sier, D Wall ; H Jenkins. J Sheppard, R Morgans Repl – J Crompton, C Milsom, L Stevens, R Hutcherson, E Price, T Nieuvandijk-Adachi, G Cannon, D Rogers

Referee – Mr J Sealey (Porthcawl)