Gary Teichmann bows out with a trophy

"But we have been up and down all year until now," Teichmann explained.

The big number eight had a quiet game in a match controlled by the tactical nous of Newport's Shane Howarth in the second half.

The Black and Ambers looked as if they would turn the screw after prop Adrian Garvey powered over from a line out after 43 minutes.

But Neath refused to lie down with the determined running of outstanding centre James Storey setting up the opening for Kevin James to cross on the right with just 10 minutes to go.

English-born Storey - who qualifies for Wales next summer - was named man-of-the-match.

The video referee ruled against Neath's Kevin James

Just like Saturday's FA Cup final, the match had a thrilling climax as Neath battered the Newport defence.

But fittingly it was a dropped goal from Howarth with four minutes of normal time remaining which gave Newport that vital five point cushion.

The Welsh All Blacks were left rueing two controversial refereeing decisions in the first half.

A deft chip from the unlikely boot of number eight Rowland Phillips gave wing Shane Williams a race to the line against Newport outside-half Shane Howarth.

Both players dived at the same time, but referee Clayton Thomas went the way of the Newport man.

I thought his foot was over the line, but not on the ground

Gareth Llewellyn

Did Williams beat Howarth to the ball?

Neath had opened the scoring with a penalty after 18 minutes, but let Newport back into the game 15 minutes later.

Full-back Gareth Morris was sin-binned for a high tackle on Howarth, who duly slotted the penalty.

In the end his conversion of Garvey's try and precocious drop-goal proved vital.

Scorers - Neath: Tries: K James. Pen: S Williams

Newport: Tries: A Garvey. Con: S Howarth. Pen: S Howarth. Drop Goal: S Howarth.

Teams

Newport: M Pini; M Mostyn, M Watkins, A Marinos, E Lewis; S Howarth, D Burn, R Snow, J Richards, A Garvey, S Raiwalui, I Gough, P Buxton, J Forster, G Teichmann (capt).
Replacements: C Jones, P Young, G Taylor, A Popham, J Pritchard, S Mitchell, D Edwards.

Neath: G Morris; K James, J Storey, D Tiueti, S Williams; P Horgan, M Davies; R Phillips, B Sinkinson, R Francis, G Llewellyn (capt), S Martin, A Millward, M Davies, D Jones.
Replacements: D Pugh, T Davies, S Jones, K Tuipulotu, N Bonner Evans, P Jones, A Howell