NEATH ended a run of three successive defeats by beating Newbridge at a chilly Gnoll on Friday evening.

The All Blacks introduced centre Luke Davies alongside fellow teenager Aled Davies while Iestyn Morgan, Llewellyn Hawkes and Will Pope came into the starting line-up. Newbridge fielded all bar one of the team which drew 26-26 at Ystrad Rhondda.

Newbridge started well and opened the scoring when outside-half Reegan Davies crossed for a try but Neath struck back when grand work by the forwards hit at the Newbridge line and scrum-half Kaden Davies touched down, Steff Williams goaling from wide out to put Neath in front at 7-5.

However, Newbridge recovered their lead with a quite splendid try which originated in their own half. The scorer was centre Harry Jarvis and Reegan Davies added the conversion points to make it 7-12.

The collective power of the Neath forwards’ was evident throughout and, working for each other and in concert, the All Black eight conjured a try for flanker Gethin Tremlett which Steff Williams converted for 14-12.

Again Newbridge countered with a penalty by Reegan Davies but the visitors, leading 15-14, blotted their copy-book when Harry Jarvis was sent to the bin for a deliberate knock on.

The Neath forwards took full advantage and another powerful surge resulted in a third touchdown by try-hungry hooker Kian Jones – his 9th of the campaign – and Steff Williams’ third conversion of the evening made it 21-15 to the All Blacks.

Newbridge attacked before half-time but further indiscipline saw big prop Harry Drane who seemingly took a dislike to young Tremlett and it culminated in him receiving a yellow card as Neath held firm until half-time.

Half-time – Neath 21 points Newbridge 15 points

Neath wasted no time after the interval in bagging the bonus point and again it was the forwards who repeated the trick, this time captain and No.8 Ben Williams joining Kian Jones in getting his 9th touchdown for Steff Williams to convert and 28-15.

But Neath were none too comfortable when replacement scrum-half Ellis Lewis was sin-binned and more replacements began to emerge including flanker Casey Williams on his 50th appearance.

Before they had settled, the visitors hit back with a third try registered by centre Josh Thomas and full back Sam Watkins added the conversion and Neath’s advantage was reduced to 28-22 with a quarter to go.

The game was back in the balance but Ellis Lewis returned with dramatic effect as he made a telling break to get Neath going again and, switching the ball to the left with sound input by the teenagers in the back-line, wing Ki Morgan supplied the finishing touch with Neath’s fifth try which made it 33-22.

There was a welcome return from the bench of line-out ace Jon Barley who was soon in action as the home forwards took the plaudits.

Neath ended the game with five teenagers behind the scrum and the Welsh All Blacks put the result beyond doubt when prop Marley Lovell burrowed over for a popular sixth try and a pleasing return to winning ways.

On the whole it was good eve-of-international entertainment, well refereed by Mr Matt Leon and next Saturday Neath are at home to another Gwent side – Cross Keys who always provide stern opposition. Kick off will be at the standard 2.30pm.

Newbridge go to Brecon where they will seek to quell the home side’s mini-revival whilst improving their own position.

NEATH – I Morgan; K Morgan, L Davies, A Davies, L Hawkes(E Lewis); S Williams (Charlie Thomas), K Davies; M Morgan (J Jones), K Jones (S Jones), M Lovell (Chris Thomas); M Davies (J Barley), S Lewis (J Blackmore); W Pope (C Williams), B Williams (capt), G Tremlett

NEWBRIDGE – S Watkins; A Patterson, H Jarvis, J Thomas, C Jones (K Williams); R Davies, M Davies (I Martin-Lloyd); G Young (G Evans) S Vokes (A Jenkins), H Drane (J Reames-Williams); J Duffy (D Kipulu), G McDonnell (capt); J Hart (S Evans), Z Stuart (L Ford), L Hill

Referee – Mr M Leon (Cardiff)

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