Neath's bid for the Welsh Premier Championship title remains firmly on course after a convincing win over a makeshift Pontypridd side at Sardis Road.

Power-packed Neath ran in seven superb tries and outside-half Shaun Connor stole the limelight with two tries and six conversion.

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 as thye rna in in two superb tries from Connor and James Storey, both converted by Connor.

Battling Ponty returned on the attack and after pressure in the Neath 22 a fine handling move put wing Gareth Wyatt over for a try that Jenkins converted from the touchline.

In the 22nd minute the Welsh All Blacks increased their lead with a try from Paul James which was converted by Connor.

In the closing stages Jenkins cut the deficit with his second penalty, but Brett Sinkinson added a try for Neath. Jenkins then kicked another penalty.

On the restart Neath increased their hold from the start with tries from number eight Alfie Mocelutu and Connor who kicked a conversion.

They quickly extended their lead with a try from Steve Jones which Connor converted.

In the last quarter Pontypridd cut the deficit with a superb 70-metre try from wing Richard Fusell which Jenkins converted.

In the closing stages Ponty pinned Neath for some time in their own 22, with Lee Thomas and Jenkins going close but good defence kept them at bay.