WELSH PREMIERSHIP Neath (6) 32 Tries: S Williams (2). Cons: S Connor (2). Pens: Connor (6). Bridgend (3) 24 Tries: C Horsman, R Jones, C Harris. Cons: G Cull (3). Pen: Cull. Att: 3,000

The All Blacks spoiled Bridgend's 100% league record in their top-of-the table clash at the Gnoll.

It was looking like a comfortable win, the home side 16 points clear with 10 minutes to go.

A late surge from the visitors - who outscored Neath by three tries to two - ensured a few anxious moments, but 22 points from the boot of Shaun Connor secured success for the home side.

The Ravens remain five points clear of Neath at the top of the table with the league title in their hands, the two sides due to meet again at the Brewery Field on 21 May.

Bridgend's forwards tore into Neath in the early exchanges, but the disciplined home defence remained composed.

It took 10 minutes for the All Blacks to get into the opposition half, but the Ravens defence edged offside to give Connor an easy penalty for the opening score.

Hopefully they'll slip up somewhere along the line Neath's Steve Tandy

Neath increased the pressure, with Connor and James Storey going close to tries before a collapsed Bridgend scrum in front of the posts gifted the home side their second penalty.

Referee Nigel Owens then exerted his influence on the game.

Hywel Jenkins was yellow carded for slowing a tap penalty, allowing Gareth Cull his first successful strike at goal, and Jenkins was followed into the bin by props Duncan Jones and Chris Horsman after a series of collapsed scrums.

Bridgend, who had already lost prop Chris Loader to injury, sent on hooker Ben Phillips, but their captain Gareth Thomas confirmed they were happy to continue with contested scrums.

Both Cull and Connor missed further shots at goal, leaving the half-time score at 6-3 as the visitors failed to capitalise on the wind advantage.

Kevin James barges through the opposition

Neath started the second 40 looking to play a controlling, territorial game, but their plans were hit after five minutes.

A break from Shawn van Rensburg was well supported by David Bishop, but the young centre was hauled down inches from the line.

Horsman followed up and the prolific prop got a front-row classic try from half a metre, Cull converting.

Neath regrouped and besieged the Ravens' line, feeding Shane Williams who danced through the forward defence for a converted try.

Two Connor penalties stretched the lead, before the game looked to have been sealed when a Gareth Thomas pass was intercepted by Patrick Horgan.

It's still in our hands and we think we can clinch it Bridgend forwards coach Richard Webster

The ball was fed to Shane Williams who flew in unopposed from 40m for his second try.

A Bridgend try for replacement lock Ryan Jones seemed little more than consolation, but when Huw Harries spotted a gap in the home defence and sent Cory Harris in for a 79th-minute score the gap was back to two points.

Another Connor penalty gave Neath a cushion, and his final goal closed out the game.

Man-of-the-match Steve Tandy said: "This result has given us a chance to win the title. Hopefully they'll slip up somewhere along the line."

Bridgend forwards coach Richard Webster remained upbeat: "It's still in our hands and we think we can clinch it," he said.

Neath: A Durston; K James, J Storey, D Tiueti, S Williams; S Connor, A Moore; D Jones, B Williams, A Jones, A Newman, G Llewellyn (capt), B Sinkinson, S Tandy, H Jenkins.
Replacements: M Jones, P Horgan, S Jones, L Bateman, J Ringer, A Mocelutu, A Millward.

Bridgend: G Cull; M Owen, G Thomas, D Bishop, A Carter; C Warlow, S Martens; C Loader, G Williams, C Horsman, D Jones, N Budgett, M Molitika, C Harris, S van Rensburg.
Replacements: L Woodard, H Harries, G Thomas, B Phillips, R Jones, R Bryan, M Powell.

Ref: Nigel Owens (WRU)