Neath gave Newbridge six of the best on their way to a 38-22 victory at The Gnoll in their rearranged Admiral Premiership fixture.
The WRU Premiership Cup finalists, who are fourth in the table, outscored their visitors six tries to three to end a run of three straight league defeats.
Newbridge held the lead three times in the first half but ultimately left empty handed – and means they remain in 11th and just a point above the relegation zone.
The visitors started well and hit the front courtesy of an unconverted try from outside half Reegan Davies, but Neath struck back through scrum-half Kaden Davies after good work from their forwards. Steff Williams converted from out wide.
Newbridge soon retook the lead with a quite splendid try after a move which began in their own half and was finished off by centre Harry Jarvis, with Reegan Davies adding the extras. The Welsh All Blacks’ collective forward power was evident throughout and conjured a try for flanker Gethin Tremlett which Williams converted to make it 14-12.
Reegan Davies’ penalty nudged the visitors back in front before a deliberate knock on from Jarvis saw them reduced to 14 men. The home Neath pack took full advantage and another powerful surge resulted in a third touchdown by try-hungry hooker Kian Jones – his ninth of the campaign – and Williams’ conversion gave them a 21-15 lead.
Newbridge also had prop Harry Drane yellow carded before the break and Neath wasted no time in bagging the bonus point after the re-start. Again, it was the forwards who repeated the trick, with captain and No 8 Ben Williams also getting his ninth touchdown of the season. Steff Williams converted to make it 28-15.
It was then Neath’s turn to have a player in the cooler when replacement scrum-half Ellis Lewis was sent there – and the visitors hit back with a third try scored by centre Josh Thomas and improved by gull-back Sam Watkins.
The contest was back in the balance but a telling break from the returning Lewis eventually resulted in wing Ki Morgan finishing off Neath’s fifth try. Prop Marley Lovell put the result beyond doubt with a sixth Neath try.
Neath are back in action on Saturday when they entertain Cross Keys while Newbridge head to rejuvenated bottom side Brecon – who have won their last three home matches to fuel hopes of a Great Escape.
Second bottom Llanelli Wanderers will be looking to take advantage of any potential Newbridge slip up but have their own work cut out with leaders Pontypridd the visitors.
Reigning champions Merthyr – three points behind Ponty with two games in hand – host Llangennech at The Wern, while Beddau in third head to Cardiff Met. Ystrad Rhondda host Narberth.