There were 44 points and five points in a thrilling first half and the bonus-point victory on the road for the Welsh All Blacks kept them a point behind table topping Bargoed, who picked up a 33-15 home win over Maesteg Quins. That triumph included four tries from close range line-outs.
Rhys Truelove opened the scoring for the home side with an early penalty and then Nicky Griffiths crossed for the first try for Neath, which Steff Williams converted. Jarrad Llewellyn romped over for Ystrad’s first try, which Truelove improved, but a Williams penalty levelled things up at 10-10.
Aaron Grabham crossed for the second Neath try, Williams again converting, but Truelove improved a second home try to make it neck and neck at 17-17. A Truelove penalty edged the home side in front again before David Griggs went in for Neath’s third.
Williams’ latest success off the tee made it 24-20 to the visitors at the break, but Ystrad hooker Karl Williams rumbled over for a second half try to make it 25-24 to the home team. Jon Bayliss then added the winning try for Neath and Williams kicked his fourth conversion.
The other game in the Championship Cup saw Glamorgan Wanderers and Narberth shared the honours in a 234-214 draw in the welsh capital.
Bedwas let a first half lead slip as Trebanos stormed back to gain a deserved win 21-12 home win in the WRU Championship Plate. Matt Bancroft gave the visitors an early lead with a penalty off the half-way line and he went on to add three more before break.
Home full back Tom Dew replied with two of his own to leave the game finely poised at the break with Bedwas leading 12-6. The first try of the game came 15 minutes into the second period when Trebanos wing Josh Ferriman crossed.
Dew slotted the conversion and the home side were ahead for the first time. A third Dew penalty extended the home advantage before replacement Matthew Jenkins added a second try to complete the victory.
Beddau came from behind to beat Tata Steel 39-31 on the road, while Ystalyfera enjoyed a 30-18 home win over Cardiff Met.
