Recap

Neath took a well needed victory from yesterdays match against Bridgend in a local derby friendly. While Neath continue to sit at the bottom of the table, yesterdays win will provide the team with a huge boost in confidence for their upcoming Principality Premiership fixtures.

Neath got the ball rolling when a penalty was awarded allowing Luke Price to slot the points, 3-0. However, minutes later Bridgend were given the chance to even the playing field, 3-3.

Neath took their opportunity with both hands when Adam O’Driscoll received a yellow card, taking the Bridgend side to fourteen men. The Neath pack put Bridgend under pressure as the Welsh All Blacks drove forward forcing Dafydd Hopkins over the line, scoring the first try of the match allowing Luke Price to convert, 8-3.

Soon after Dafydd Howells made a superb break from the 22, handing off the defence as he glided over the line for Neath’s second try. Luke Price converted the try taking the score to 15-3 at half time.

Bridgend came out in the second half with their tails up and looking to score but Dafydd Howells put in a fantastic try saving tackle forcing Bridgend to spill the ball.

Neath were at an advantage and Bridgend were looking to get back into the game, but Neath diminished any Bridgend hope as young Ospreys hooker, Scott Otten crossed the line after a period of pressure from Gareth Thomas and Lloyd Phillips. Luke Price successfully converted the try, 20-3.

Bridgend were once more inches from a try but Neath managed to hold the ball up over the line with a big defensive shift from the Welsh All Blacks.

Neath ensured their victory with one more try as Rhodri Cole made the hard yards through the Bridgend defence opening up a gap for Gerwyn Price to cross over the line. The try was converted successfully by Luke Price, 29-3.

Even though the game was won, Bridgend fought hard till the end, earning themselves their first and last try as Owen Howe crossed the line but the try was unsuccessfully converted bringing the game to a close, 29-8.