The Ravens once again took the opportunity to run the rule over a larger squad and the coaches will have been pleased with the performances of a number of younger players that complimented the more experienced contingent nicely.

Bridgend started the better side but Neath scored first through a driving maul, finished by Sion Jones. Former Raven Paul Short added the extras.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to respond. Ben Burnell held the ball with patience, giving just enough time for the supporting Ryan Wilkins to crash over. Burnell converted.

Then Bridgend turned on the style. Corey Lewis and Chris Williams played a smart one-two with one another for last year’s top try scorer Lewis to score out wide.

The Ravens indisiciple ought to have cost them, and after they lost back row Ioan Davies to the bin, it seemed they’d given Neath a route back into proceedings. But six minutes later, Nathan Evans used his strength to burrow over for a try converted by Burnell to extend the lead.

HT Neath 7-19 Bridgend

There were a mass of changes for Bridgend in the second half, but they picked up where they left off with a score from McKenzie Scales just five minutes into the second period.

The final score of the game came fifteen minutes before the end with Gabe Lacey tearing through the Welsh All Blacks defence to dot down under the posts.

Bridgend’s final pre-season tie is against Beddau at Mount Pleasant Park next Saturday (2:30pm).