WELSH PREMIERSHIP Pontypridd (16) 23 Tries: G Wyatt, R Fussell. Cons: N Jenkins (2). Pens: Jenkins (3). Neath (28) 47 Tries: J Storey, S Connor (2), P James, S Jones, B Sinkinson, A Mocelutu. Cons: Connor (6). Att: 800

Neath maintained the pressure on league-leaders Bridgend with a convincing win over a makeshift Pontypridd side at Sardis Road.

The impressive All Blacks ran in seven superb tries, with the league's leading scorer Shaun Connor stealing the limelight with two tries and six conversion.

Bridgend are now just two points clear of Neath, who they must face at the Brewery Field, but they have a game in hand.

Ponty, who have lost three times to Neath this season, are in danger of finishing bottom of the league should they lose their weekend trip to Caerphilly.

In a fast-moving first half Pontypridd went on the attack from the kick-off and took the lead in the third minute with a 24-metre penalty from Neil Jenkins.

Neath soon responded and took charge with tries from Connor and James Storey, both converted by the fly-half.

Connor is the league's leading scorer

A fine handling move from Ponty put wing Gareth Wyatt over for a try that Jenkins converted from the touchline to keep them in contention.

But in the 22nd minute the Welsh All Blacks stretched away with a try from Paul James.

Jenkins cut the deficit with his second penalty, before Brett Sinkinson added a try for Neath.

On the restart Neath increased their hold with tries from number eight Alfie Mocelutu and Connor.

A thrilling try from hooker Steve Jones followed, though Pontypridd managed to cut the deficit with a superb 70-metre score from wing Richard Fusell.

After the match Neath coach Lyn Jones praised his teams performance.

"To come away after nearly scoring 50 points against a determined Ponty team is very pleasing," said Jones.

"It will be an interesting end to the season now and we must keep the pressure on Bridgend.

"All we can do is go out and play the best we can. We will be fighting right to the end."

Pontypridd: Brett Davey; Gareth Wyatt, Mathew Nuthall, Jon Bryant, Richard Fussell; Neil Jenkins, Paul John; Cox, Matthew Rees, Neil Hennessy, Brent Cockbain, Harrington, Wayne O'Connor, Mark Lewis, Lee Beech.
Replacements: Gareth Baber, Lee Thomas, Richard Johnston, Wiltshire, Sven Cronk, Verling, Kingsley Jones.

Neath:Adrian Durston; Kevin James, James Storey, Dave Tiueti, Shane Williams; Shaun Connor, Patrick Horgan; Paul James, Steve Jones, Andrew Millward (capt), Andy Newman, Steve Martin, Steve Tandy, Brett Sinkinson, Alfie Mocelutu.
Sean Marsden, Lee Jarvis, Andy Moore, Cai Griffiths, Jamie Ringer, Barry Williams, Lyndon Bateman.

Ref: Gareth Simmons (WRU)