There was late drama at The Gnoll where outside half Paul Short’s last-kick conversion of hooker Sion Jones’ try snatched a 34-33 win for Neath over Beddau in the Admiral Premiership.
It was the third time in four that a fixture between the two sides had been decided by a last-gasp kick.
Centre Sam Harris, wingers Morgan Meaclem and Lachlan Barron and prop Mason Morgan also scored tries for the Welsh All Blacks, who had earlier led 27-7, with Short converting two and kicking a penalty.
Scrum half Callaghan Smith scored twice and kicked four conversions in reply for the Green & Golds – who also had back rower Sam Gibson, full back Cody Baker and wing Iwan Griffith on the scoresheet in what was almost a memorable comeback win.
In the end they had to be content with taking two bonus points home from a first setback of the campaign. The victory for Neath was their second from the opening three matches and saw them bounce back from defeat at Cross Keys in round two.
Narberth’s dream start to the new season continues after they made it three bonus-point wins from three with a 38-24 victory over Cross Keys at the Lloyd Lewis Ground.
Wing Harrison Burke’s hat-trick inspired the Otters, who were battling to avoid the drop at the end of last season. He was joined on the scoresheet by scrum half Lewys Gibby and hooker Kyle Hamer. Jonathan Rogers converted all five tries and kicked a penalty.
Lock Chris Johnsey, hooker Nathan Huish, prop Tom Burnham and replacement Callum Hague were the Keys scorers. Josh Malson and Morgan Cusack added one conversion apiece.
Pontypridd joined Narberth on three wins from as many games but have taken two points less. The Valley Commandos needed a 78th minute try from centre Ethan Williams, converted by Logan Jones, to secure a 21-17 victory at Llangennech.
Captain Cally James and lock Logan McIntosh were the other Ponty scorers, both also converted by Jones. Hooker Callum Jenkins and wing Kieran Edwards were on the scoresheet for Llan and Steff Marshall converted both tries and sent over a penalty.
Champions Merthyr made it two from two by seeing off Llanelli Wanderers 38-21 at The Wern. Wing Ryan Davies was at the double, while Ben Jones, Amosa Nove, Jacob Lloyd and Aled Evans all dotted down for the Ironmen.
Jones kicked three conversions and Logan Crimmings one. Captain Jake Baker ran in two tries for Wanderers with Nick Gale also scoring and adding all three conversions.
Newbridge edged out Bedwas 33-31 courtesy of tries from scru -half Iestyn Martin-Lloyd, No 8 Garin Price, outside half Simon Veall, centre Josh Thomas and flanker Matthew Jefferies. Full-back Sam Watkins kicked four conversions.
Bedwas’ wait for their first win back in the Premiership goes on after another narrow defeat. The Wass’ tries were scored by centre Connor Milsom, full back Tristan Kugler, replacement back rower Dan Wall, hooker Mike Dacey and No 8 Dylan Lawley. Jac Crompton added three conversions.
The scheduled clash between Bargoed and Bonymaen was postponed.
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