Fly-half Lee Jarvis bagged 20 points on his home debut as Neath enjoyed a comfortable Celtic League victory over Cardiff at The Gnoll.

The summer recruit from Pontypridd, landed five penalties, a drop goal and a conversion to cap a fine individual display.

The expected rout of a young and inexperienced Cardiff side never materialised, but Neath coach Lyn Jones will not be complaining - it is the first time his side have beaten the visitors in the league in seven years.

In a scrappy encounter dominated by the whistle of Irish referee David Tyndall, Neath held the upper hand for the majority of the match.

Former Wales flanker Brett Sinkinson caught the eye with his alertness and his ability to turn over possession proved a major factor in the result.

Allan Bateman, back at The Gnoll after a lengthy absence, also showed some nice touches, while Ryan Powell at scrum-half epitomised a gutsy effort from the Cardiff team.

Neath began confidently with Jarvis landing a drop goal and a penalty within the opening five minutes, but Cardiff struck back immediately when Kiwi import Craig Hudson showed good strength to cross.

But it was the home side who showed most creative flair in front of one of their biggest crowds for years.

Another Jarvis success moved Neath back in front, before full-back Shaun Connor went over for a well-received score.

Two Jarvis penalties extended the advantage at the interval and despite Cardiff putting pressure on the home line in the early stages of the second half, they were unable to make a dent in some determined Neath defence.

Wing Andrew Henry, the 20-year-old son of Wales and British Lions coach Graham, went close as did the impressive Jamie Robinson.

But for all Cardiff had to show for their efforts was a 79th-minute consolation score by centre Matt Allen.