Face off: Shane Williams and Josh Taumololo

For Neath, Phillips and prop Duncan Jones stood out, while John Devereux ran strongly in midfield for the visitors.

An explosive opening saw referee Nigel Williams issue several warnings after a series of bust-ups.

Just three minutes were on the clock when Bridgend hooker Joe Clark and Neath's Richard Francis swapped blows, with visiting captain Chris Stephens also involved.

High tempo

Soon afterwards Bridgend prop Colin Noon was yellow-carded for landing a punch on Duncan Jones which sparked another flare-up.

When the dust settled, Neath made their extra man count as Patrick Horgan sent James over after two short-range scrums.

But poor goal kicking meant the Welsh All Blacks struggled to add to their lead, with Shane Williams and Greg Miller putting wide five kicks between them in the first half.

Devereux caused Neath problems with his strength and it was the big centre who set up Steve Ford for a try with a powerful thrust in the 14th minute, although Miller slotted a penalty to reward Neath pressure.

After the interval the Welsh All Blacks kept up a high tempo but were continually thwarted by resolute Bridgend defence.

Phillips worked his way over from a short-range scrum before the visitors countered through Hewlett to set up a nail-biting finale.

Neath: Morris; K. James, Storey, Tiueti, S. Williams; Miller, Horgan; D. Jones, M. Davies, Millward, Martin, Llewellyn, Francis, Phillips, Tandy.
Replacements: M. Davies, Pugh, T. Davies, S. Jones, Bonner-Evans, Howell.

Bridgend: Durston; D. Jones, Devereux, Taumalolo, Hill; P. Williams, Hewlett; Griffiths, Clark, Noon, S. Ford, Stephens, Van Rensburg, Lloyd, Molitika.
Replacements: Price, Hawkins, Clapham, Ringer, Harries, Peters, G. Jones.

Referee: Nigel Williams (Bryncoch).