KONICA MINOLTA CUP FINAL Caerphilly (6) 13 Try: A Williams Con: S Thomas Pens: S Thomas (2) Neath (12) 36 Tries: James (2), Howell, Mike Jones, Matthew Jones Cons: Matthew Jones (4) Pen: Matthew Jones Att: 8,000

First-half tries from Kevin James and Andrew Howell gave the All Blacks the advantage, and two sin binnings either side of the break cost the Cheesemen.

Their tiring defence let in second-half tries from James, Mike Jones and fly-half Matthew Jones, who contributed 16 points in all.

Andrew Williams got a late consolation try to mark Caerphilly's first final.

This was also the first Welsh Cup final since the introduction of regional rugby, and it was played out in front of a sparce crowd at the Millennium Stadium.

All the early pressure came from the All Blacks, and after nine minutes repeated attacks deep in the Cheesemen's half told.

The ball was spread smoothly across the three-quarters, wing James having the pace to cross on the right wing.

Thomas got a penalty for Caerphilly, and when Gareth Morris was sin binned the green army seemed to have a chance to gain control.

The hard work put in by the boys throughout the season has paid off Man-of-the-match Matthew Jones

But a Hywel Jenkins drive set up a powerful forward roll by Neath, and veteran prop Howell burrowed over for the second try.

Matthew Jones converted, but Thomas was able to reduce the deficit with his second goal.

The Cheesemen's hopes were hit on the stroke of half-time as prop Geraint Liddon was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle on Jones.

They were briefly down to 13 men in the second period, flanker Tyron Morris seeing yellow for hands at a ruck and watching Jones kick the resultant penalty.

Taking advantage of the thinning defence, Richard Johnston went close with a run to the Cheesemen's line.

After the forwards hammered away, the ball was spun wide to James who had a simple run in for his second score.

Minutes later, slick handling in the backs allowed centre Mike Jones to cut back past a tiring defence for the fourth try.

The Welsh Rugby Union will need to decide how to look after clubs like ours Caerphilly coach Roger Bidgood

The Cheesemen showed their character in the last 15 minutes, digging in to deny the All Blacks further scores and seeing captain Williams cross for a try from a scrum five in injury time.

It was slim consolation, though, as they never looked like denying Neath their fourth Welsh Cup triumph.

"That was great, my first experience of a game like this," said man-of-the-match Matthew Jones.

"The hard work put in by the boys throughout the season has paid off."

Caerphilly coach Roger Bidgood overcame his disappointment to predict a bright future for the Castletown club.

"We at Caerphilly will continue to produce young players for the regional sides," said Bidgood.

"But the Welsh Rugby Union will need to decide how to look after clubs like ours."

Caerphilly: J Thomas, P Phillips, R Howells, R Boobyer, I Carter, S Thomas, A Peggington, L Manning, P Harrison, G Liddon, M Workman, P Jones, S Gardner, T Morris, A Williams (capt).

Replacements: G Pritchard, D Hitchins, B Edwards, D Sweet, L Howells, N Watkins, T Guy.

Neath: G Morris, K James, M Jones, W Mitchell, R Johnston, M Jones, P Horgan, P Jones (capt), A Littlehales, A Howell, M Jones, L Bateman, B Sinkinson, J McPhail, H Jenkins.

Replacements: D Poland, C Griffiths, B Davies, A Llewellyn, O Gustafson, J Leyshon, C Anderson.

Referee: Nigel Whitehouse (Gowerton).