By The Webmaster
November 16 2002

Celtic League quarter-finalist's Neath overcame a spirited Caerphilly with a late rally that snatched an undeserved victory at Virginia Park.

Caerphilly were first to adjust to the atrocious conditions and had the Welsh All Blacks on the back foot early on.

Shaun Connor settled the visitors early nerves with a well-taken penalty after 15 minutes.

Full-back Adrian Durston's precise kicking allowed Neath to attack from close range, some good forward play resulting in a penalty try.

It was Durston himself who added a further five points minutes later when some great passing among the backs found the former Bridgend full-back in acres of space.

Caerphilly number eight Karl Hocking narrowed the gap when against the run of play he cheekily chipped the ball towards the line and gave chase to score. The 'Castlemen' added another score on the whistle by centre Roddy Boobyer.

In the second half the game ebbed and flowed with both sides competing well in the worsening conditions. Neath made a spate of telling substitutions that eventually turned the game.

Tries from Shane Williams and Dave Tuetti sealing matters before Taunaholo Aufahema grabbed a late consolation.