Jason Hyatt’s side were full of confidence as they took the game to Bridgend from the get go with Iestyn Merriman sent to the sin bin for the hosts.
And the visitors made the most of their numerical advantage when left wing Steffan Andrews showed his gas to touch down with Aled Thomas converting.
The hosts began to grind their way back into the game with two penalties from Owen Howe meaning they trailed 7-6 at the break.
But Aberavon came out of the blocks firing in the second half when scrum-half Rhodri Cole raced clear from the fringes of the ruck to score. Thomas added the extras.
Despite Aberavon’s cutting edge behind the scrum they couldn’t quite shake off Bridgend with two further penalties from Howe reducing their lead to a mere two points.
Openside flanker Andrew Waite then scored Aberavon’s third try as he powered his way over from short range, but another penalty from Howe kept Bridgend within touching distance.
Ieuan Davies sealed the win for Aberavon with their bonus-point try.
Elsewhere, a powerful forward display helped Carmarthen Quins to a comprehensive 21-6 victory over Swansea at a rain-soaked St Helen’s.
Leon Randall’s break sent Aron Hemmings over for Carmarthen Quins’ opening try while they were also awarded a penalty score for their opposition illegally collapsing a driving line-out.
High-flying Llandovery recorded their third consecutive win in the west conference as they beat regional rivals Llanelli 39-12 at Church Bank.
James Garland gave the Drovers an early lead with a simple penalty and a blindside thrust saw the fly-half send full back Will Thomas in at the corner.
Garland landed a fine conversion and Llandovery had their tails up.
Wing Aaron Warren was foiled inches from the line but referee Simon Rees awarded a penalty try for a high tackle.
Centre Rhodri Wall’s determined chase of a loose ball brought a third home try in a fast and open game in the surprisingly benign conditions.
And Garland squeezed over wide out for a 27-7 interval lead which was a fair reflection of the game.
Sloppy defence let Wilson in for his second try but consistent and clever retention by the Drovers got Warren home for the fifth home try in what was becoming a one-sided affair.
Lock Osian Davies made it six for a 39-12 lead and with a tad more accuracy the Drovers would have cruised past the half century of points.
“We have had a good start to the competition,” said Llandovery head coach Euros Evans.
“Although the situation of the league isn’t ideal, there is something to play for and there is jeopardy which makes it interesting.
“At the end of the day there is a place in a final at Principality Stadium there for the teams which make it and that is a motivation. We have put a lot of value on doing well in this tournament.
“Our pre-season was hard for a variety of reasons and the boys have said it has taken them longer to recover from games because they didn’t play for so long due to Covid-19.
“It has been a different and long pre-season but we have hit the ground running which is really pleasing.
“I think we will get better and better from here but so will all the other teams.”
