Wales discard Shane Williams hit Caerphilly for six as Neath held on for a hard-fought win at The Gnoll.

The flying wing, overlooked by national coach Graham Henry for the Six Nations clash with England, did not miss a kick against opponents who belied their lowly league position to outscore Neath 3-1 on tries.

Williams slotted five penalties and a conversion but did not have many chances to show his pace in wet and windy conditions.

Grim opening

Kati Tuipuloto scored Neath's try and had a strong game at No 8, while Caerphilly's touchdowns came from Justin Thomas, Ben Watkins and David Hawkins.

Neath led 19-5 at the break after a grim opening half that matched the weather, although Fijian back row Alfie Mocolutu had an outstanding game for the visitors.

With the elements behind them, the Welsh All Blacks pinned Caerphilly back through the power of their pack and soon built a healthy lead.

Williams kicked them ahead with a straightforward penalty before the hard-driving Tuipuloto powered over from a tapped penalty.

Concussion

With Williams converting and adding another penalty Neath were 13-0 ahead in as many minutes.

Caerphilly replied through a score in the corner from former Wales full back Justin Thomas, but the visitors were not helped by centre Roddy Boobyer being stretchered off with suspected concussion.

Williams completed a perfect first-half kicking performance with his fifth successful penalty, but Caerphilly roused themselves after the break to put Neath on the defensive.

Tries from Watkins and Hawkins threatened to hand caerphilly a shock win, but the visitors' efforts fell just short.

Scorers - Neath: Try: Tuipulotu. Con: S. Williams. Pens: S. Williams 5.

Caerphilly: Tries: J. Thomas, Hawkins, B. Watkins. Cons: John.

Att: 2,000

Teams - Neath: G Morris, G John, J Storey, T Davies, S Williams, D Pugh, P Horgan, D Jones, M Davies, A Millward, S Martin, G Llewellyn, R Francis, B Sinkinson, K Tuipoluto.
Replacements: M Davies, K James, S Jones, N Bonner-Evans, A Jackson, P Jones, A Howell.

Caerphilly: J Thomas, N Berbillion, R Boobyer, D Hawkins, G Evans, John, A Jacobs, M Bolton, J Hughes (capt), M Wilson, M Workman, N Watkins, B Watkins, K Hocking, A Mocolutu.
Replacements: J Hooper, L Richards, G Jones, N Jones, M Williams, G Thomas, L Manning.

Referee: Clayton Thomas (Wales)