Bridgend were crowned Welsh club champions as they condemned their only title
challengers to the runners-up spot.
Bridgend ended a major silverware drought by clinching a first title in more
than two decades by defeating the All Blacks for only the fourth time in 26
league meetings.
It was a fitting way to clinch the championship as the Ravens avenged a recent
setback against Neath, their only league defeat in 14 outings.
But it was a close-run affair with Neath pushing the home side to the bitter
end.
In a tense opening Neath struck the first blow with Shaun Connor slotting a
penalty before Bridgend hit back through a Sililo Martens try after a Neath
clearance was charged down.
A second Connor penalty put the visitors back in front and Bridgend suffered a
further blow when try-scorer Martens was yellow-carded.
In stark contrast to a poor first half, the game exploded into life as a loose
kick presented a converted try to home prop Jon Thiel.
But Neath stung the champions-elect with Connor splitting the defence to set
up a fine converted try for the speedy Shane Williams.
Bridgend's response was to engineer a sweeping attack, culminating in Gareth
Cull crossing for an unopposed converted score.
In a nail-biting finale Neath spurned chances to snatch it before Bridgend
uncorked the champagne with a late Cull penalty.
Teams:
Bridgend: Cull, Carter, Bishop, Taumalolo, Owen, Warlow,
Martens, Pope., B. Phillips, Thiel, D. Jones, Budgett,
Molitika, Bryan, Harris.
Replacements: R. Jones, van Rensburg, Powell, G. Thomas, Harries,
M. James.
Tries: Cull, Martens, Thiel.
Cons: Cull 2.
Drop Goals: Cull.
Neath: G. Morris, K. James, A. Bateman, Leyshon, S. Williams,
S. Connor, Horgan, P. James, S. Jones, Millward, A. Newman,
Martin, Mocelutu, Jenkins, Ringer.
Replacements: M. Jones, Durston, Rees, L. Bateman, B. Williams,
P. Jones, A. Howells, A. Howells.
Tries: S. Williams.
Cons: S. Connor.
Pens: S. Connor 2.
Att: 3,000
Ref: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales).
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