Steve Law’s side disappointed at home to Cardiff in their last encounter but started with a bang to eventually run out 26-37 winners.
It all started early on with Bedwas moving into an early lead via the trusty boot of Richard Powell. Two early penalties gave the visitors a 6-0 lead after 12 minutes though Dai Langdon soon replied with an effort of his own.
The visitors may have enjoyed a solid start but midway through the half, a wild Bedwas pass in midfield was intercepted by Neath winger Ashleigh Evans who raced through to touchdown by the posts. Langdon added the simple conversion and it was Neath who were ahead.
Bedwas’ response was immediate. Four minutes later, hooker Richard Wilkes ran a great angle and powered through for a try, Powell adding the conversion. Two minutes later Steve Cullen broke down the right and was adjudged to have stayed in the field of play to the disgust of Neath supporters who felt otherwise. The winger did the rest with Powell again converting.
The remarkable purple patch continued and five minutes later, Luc Jones marked his Bedwas debut with a fine try. Powell may have missed his conversion but three quick scores had given Law’s side a comfortable advantage.
Powell and Langdon then exchanged penalties with Bedwas comfortably ahead 28-13 at the break.
A smart drop goal from Langdon narrowed Neath’s deficit at the start of the second period before Bedwas lock Phill Rees was harshly sin binned for a ruck offence. With Bedwas down to 14, Langdon added his third penalty of the afternoon though a Powell helped settle any Bedwas nerves.
Neath were not finished though and full back Ceri Young broke through some weak tackling for a try. Langdon converted and suddenly Neath were only five points behind.
Bedwas may have been under pressure but they found a second wind and two penalties from Powell, which took his personal contribution to 22 points, secured Bedwas a valuable victory and denied Neath a losing bonus point.
