Pontypridd remain on course for the title as the two most successful clubs in the history of the semi-professional Welsh Premiership served up another Sardis Road spectacular.

Last year’s clash ended 33-34 in the home side’s favour and, despite the 12 tries this time, it was not quite of the quality of last year’s thriller – nor was it quite as exciting as last year’s outcome was in doubt all the way through and up to the final whistle.

‘Three is a magic number’ – or so the song went – and it had special resonance on Saturday as Pontypridd avoided a third defeat of the season by Neath and it also meant the ignominy of three successive defeats by the Welsh All Blacks this season.

Neath rang the changes behind the scrum and, after Ponty missed an early penalty attempt, the All Blacks surged into a 14-nil. First, a strong driving maul resulted in a try by eager hooker Kian Jones and then winger Ki Morgan marked his return after a five-month lay-off when he intercepted and sped half the length of the field for the second – and outside-half Steff Williams converted both.

But then the game underwent a complete transformation as, with Neath defending narrowly and Pontypridd spreading the ball with the confidence borne of league leaders,  the home side struck out and turned the deficit into a 33-14 lead.

Some of the Neath defence left a lot to be desired but Pontypridd played some quality stuff and fine tries by outside-half Logan Jones, scrum-half Joel Raikes and barn-storming wing Joe Davies put them in front. Then Logan Jones scored his second try and  Joe Davies did the same, Logan Jones converting all bar one at the end of a mad half hour.

Neath’s despair was alleviated when they hit back after another surge by the forwards and skipper Ben Williams got his 8th touchdown of the season, Steff Williams converting so the All Blacks were not completely out of it when the half-time whistle went.

Half-time – Pontypridd 33 points Neath 21 points

Neath re-started and attacked but could make no immediate headway and, when play switched to the other end, it was Pontypridd who struck again when full-back Jorge Lucey crossed wide out and Logan Jones converted.

Neath’s response was immediate when their driving maul – a source of immense strength all afternoon – produced a penalty try and a yellow card for home captain Cai James for his role in it.

Referee Mr. Gareth Newman played his part by playing several lengthy advantages and the pace never slackened. Pontypridd eventually bagged their seventh and final try of a when centre Stuart Floyd-Ellis chipped over and lock Mitch Barnard touched down, Logan Jones adding another conversion to take his tally to 22 points.

It was a truly pulsating Premiership encounter and Neath got further reward with their fifth try when hooker Kian Jones bagged his second try – his 8th of the season too – which Steff Williams, fully matching his opposite number for touchline conversion mastery, goaled.

That left the All Blacks in sight of a double losing bonus-point but Pontypridd held them out to retain their position at the top of the Premiership leaving Neath to console themselves with the knowledge that they drew the second-half 14-14 as they head into next Friday’s game against Newbridge at The Gnoll (kick off 7.30pm).

PONTYPRIDD – J Lucey (R Smith); Joe Davies (G Thorrington), S Floyd-Ellis, G Smith, L Rochefort-Sugar; L Jones, J Raikes (L Dennett); B Drew (S Cottrell), L Tovey (C Hughes), F Murray (K Mattravers); M Barnard, L Alexander-White (B Bora); Cally James, J Coxley, Cai James (capt)

NEATH – Charlie Thomas (I Morgan) ; L Rees, J Bayliss, S Wilcox (W Pope), K Morgan; S Williams, K Davies (E Lewis); M Morgan (J Jones),  K Jones (M Little), M Lovell; M Davies, S Lewis; C Williams (J Hughes J Blackmore), B Williams (capt), G Tremlett

Referee  Mr G Newman (Abergavenny)