A hat-trick of tries by Bridgend's classy centre Adrian Durston destroyed battling Caerphilly, who gave the leaders a stern test at the Brewery Field.

Caerphilly led 13-8 at one stage as Bridgend struggled in the face of some fearsome defence.

But class told with outstanding displays from Durston, No 8 Shaun Van Rensburg and Tongan Josh Taumalolo easing Bridgend to a comfortable victory.

Durston gave his side the perfect start, dummying his way over for a fine try, before former Bridgend stalwart Andrew Williams went over from a short penalty for Luke Richards to convert.

Bridgend suffered a further blow, losing skipper Huw Harries with a knee injury.

A tight first half - which Bridgend dominated, despite numerous handling errors, saw Craig Warlow and Richards exchange penalties.

The visitors then went ahead through a second Richards penalty before Warlow reduced the deficit to 13-11, and then came a sensational 50-metre break by double international John Devereux which led to winger Daniel Jones crossing at the posts.

A try shortly after the restart by the impressive Van Rensburg, on his home debut, put Bridgend 25-13 in front.

But Caerphilly kept tackling with grim determination and it needed persistence by right wing Gareth Jones to give Durston the space to beat the last defender with a trademark sidestep before crossing for the decisive score.

Durston completed his hat-trick to climax another Bridgend attack, with Taumalolo scoring a 50 metre breakaway try.

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Scorers - Bridgend: Tries: Taumalolo, Durston 3, D. Jones, van Rensburg. Cons: Warlow 4, Cull. Pens: Warlow 2.

Caerphilly Tries: Williams. Cons: Richards. Pens: Richards 2.

Teams - Bridgend: S Taumalolo, G Jones, J Devereux, A Durston, D Jones, C Warlow, H Harries, R Price, C Ferris, L Mustoe, P Clapham, C Stephens, M Molitika, S van Rensburg, J Ringer
Replacements: A Griffiths, O Lloyd, R Bryan, Joy, Hewlett, G Cull, Baker

Caerphilly: J Thomas, N Berbillion, Hawkins, R Boobyer, G Evans, L Richards, Jacobs, Bolton, J Hughes, Wilson, N Watkins, M Workman, Strong, A Williams, G Jones
Replacements: Fitzpatrick, Carless, Davies, B Watkins, C Bridges, C John, S Marshall

Referee: N Owens (Pontyberem)