Super-sub Gavin Henson scored 13 points to fire Swansea to victory over neighbours Neath at St Helens.

Henson scored a try, a conversion and two dropped goals to give his side the spoils in a hard-fought match.

He was sent on after Arwel Thomas was sin-binned for what appeared to be a professional foul.

His display scotched Neath's hopes of taking the points from a game in which they claimed the majority of possession.

The Welsh All Blacks had taken a 11-10 lead and were looking set to notch a second win of the season over their old rivals.

Shane Williams had scored a try in the corner and replacement Shaun Connor landed two penalties, but then Henson took control.

He forced his way over for a touchdown in the 67th minute before killing Neath off with two expertly struck dropped goals.

Swansea had turned round 10-0 in front despite being under pressure for long periods of the opening half.

They opened the scoring in the third minute after Williams was penalised for holding onto the ball on the floor and Ben Evans powered over from the short-range penalty.

Neath then threatened to take charge as their pack began winning an abundance of possession from all phases.

And the Welsh All Blacks almost broke through when flanker Steve Tandy charged within inches of the home line.

But Swansea held firm and stretched their lead near half-time when Arwel Thomas found his range with a penalty.

Neath's cause was not helped by having number eight Rowland Phillips sinbinned for ball-killing.

They failed to take their chances and were caught unawares by Swansea late surge, fuelled by Henson.