After defeat by Merthyr on opening day, Neath repelled a strong second-half comeback by Brecon to gain their first Premiership win of the season in the pleasantly verdant surrounds of Parc de Pugh.

A warm September Saturday was the perfect time to visit Brecon – other clubs may find it less appealing in the depths of winter given the lack of spectator cover – but the hefty Neath contingent enjoyed themselves in the sunshine.

A pair of be-chained Mayors loaned municipal dignity to the occasion and the crowd of 600-700 (half from Neath) bore witness to a thrilling first home game in the Premiership for Brecon.

Neath, fielding an unchanged starting XV, had first use of the breeze and the All Blacks poured on to the offensive from the start with a series of fast attacks. Three first-half tries ensued : by powerhouse pair Jacob Blackmore and Matthew Davies either side of a smart score by scrum-half Rhodri Cole.

Outside-half Steff Williams converted the first two as the All Blacks confidently built their lead and Brecon rarely got a look in as Neath, playing at a commendable pace, fully set the tone.

In fact, Neath may well have added to their tally as both wing Matthew Jenkins, applying downward bodily pressure, and hooker Josh Clark, from a driving maul by the forwards, were denied further scores which Neath people felt were good.

Brecon employed a tactical swoop of multiple replacements before the game was half an hour old and the move had some effect as it brought New Zealand-bound former Merthyr flanker Osian Davies into combat for a final bow and he instilled some much-needed life into the home effort although it was still mostly Neath.

Half-time – Brecon nil Neath 19 points

 Brecon had the wind in the second-half but they did not dominate to the extent Neath had in the first. The home side dragged themselves back into contention via two fine tries by ex-Ebbw Vale wing Ryan Davies, outside-half Jake Newman converting the first.

At 12-19, the stage was set for a lively contest which did not disappoint as Brecon strived to level and Neath fought equally as hard to keep them out with the visiting back row of Casey Williams, skipper Ben Williams and Gethin Tremlett manfully employed.

Brecon’s towering lock Callum Bradbury prevailed at the many line-outs to keep Brecon going and Neath’s best efforts to force their way up-field stuttered as possession was too often lost.

Brecon attempts to run back were comfortably held by the well-organised Neath midfield defence whose voracious appetite for tackling never eased. Newman’s kicking offered them hope but Neath’s back three never spilled a kick.

Neither side could force the score, try-lines rarely threatened, and the nearest either side came to scoring was minutes from the end when Neath’s replacement scrum-half Ellis Lewis scooted up the narrow side from a scrum around half-way.

Showing pace, balance and no little nerve, the Seven Sisters lad was called back for a foot in touch and thus denied his first senior score. The game ended with the All Blacks still on the attack as a belated “Neath, Neath, Neath” chant assailed the Brecon air to mark an important win for the visitors.

With one score between the sides the final quarter had been too close for comfort but Neath were a happy band on the long journey home and now move on to a bigger effort at unbeaten Newbridge next Saturday.

BRECON – G.Walsh; R.Davies, T.Davies, J.Dixon, C.Davies (H.Jones) (O.Lewis); J.Newman, G.Workman (S.Horrobin); L.Smout (A.Nicholl), G.Clarke (A.James), S.May (I.Dowling-Jones); B.Sier, C.Bradbury; A.Lee, L.McIntosh, (J.Rhydderch-Roberts) I.Edwards (O.Davies)

NEATH – L.Evans; M.Jenkins (L.Hawkes), S.Wilcox (R.Wall), K.Charles, R.Griffiths; S.Williams, R.Cole (E.Lewis) ; J.Powell (G.W.Lloyd), J.Clark (E.Kneath), M.Morgan (E.Hopkins); M.Davies, J.Blackmore; C.Williams, B.Williams (capt) (F.Kneath), G.Tremlett (D.Watkins)

Referee – Mr. N.James (Abersychan)

Images courtesy of Len Kowalski www.lensworkphotography.co.uk