It was a typical Welsh derby clash with Aberavon never behind at any stage yet Neath were only inches from victory in the closing stages.
Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt said afterwards: “Of course I am delighted with the win but not quite with the performance as it was probably our worst for some time.
“But it was an important win though it could easily have been lost in the finish, yet now the players are high on confidence and that helped us through.”
Both clubs scored two tries and the Wizards led 13-3 at the interval with opposing scrum halves, Tom James and David Pritchard playing well, yet their half back partners, James Thomas and Cameron Clement missed with several goal attempts.
Clement opened the scoring with a well struck penalty and Neath levelled from the boot of Thomas just two minutes later.
The first try came after 20 minutes when Aberavon sent it along the line for left wing Stefan Andrews to cross in the right corner with Clement converting.
Clement added a drop goal before the interval but after 53 minutes James made a superb run and the home pack drove on for hooker Sion Crocker to score with Thomas converting.
It was the turn of Aberavon’s pack to dominate and after fine Neath defence, Pritchard took possession behind his pack and ran over unopposed with Clement adding the conversion.
Neath put in a storming finish and two minutes from time replacement centre Dean Howells scored as they went flat out for another try, but despite a fine effort to score, the Aberavon defence hung to take the win.
