St Clears 20.

Neyland 13.

Neyland made a valiant attempt at a late come-back against St Clears but were unable to snatch the converted try that would at least have given them a draw.

But the Saints, boosted by the second half inclusion of Steve Hartland, were able to hold out.

The All Blacks are struggling to field a settled side and with skipper Mathew Williams, Ben Lloyd and Chris Busby out, plus a back row that included full back Richard Smith and former winger Martin Roberts alongside Andrew Slark, who was carrying an injury, they inevitably took time to settle.

They plugged away, however, and were still level after the opening quarter as home kicker Rhodri Thomas and Neyland fly half Mark Riley exchanged penalties.

But then the Saints scored two good tries in succession though flanker Rob Morgan and experienced number eight Andrew Deacon, one of which was converted by Rhodri Thomas.

Back came the All Blacks with a good try by winger Andrew Hansen.

The pack secured quality possession and quick handling by Mark Hamer, Mark Riley, Adam Collins and Steve Hamer put Hansen in at the corner.

Leading 15-8 at half time, St Clears opened the second half scoring with a try from hooker Andrew Davies. The Saints’ pack drove him over but Neyland responded positively with a try from Mark Riley on a solo run from near the 22 metre line.

He was unable to add the vital conversion and, try as they might, the All Blacks could not snatch a third try in a late surge having to settle for a bonus point in their third defeat from their opening six matches.

Neyland: Gregg Miller, Andrew Hansen, Steve Hamer, Adam Collins, Darren John, Mark Riley, Mark Hamer, Craig Bennett, Richard Banner, Robert Codd, Carl Britton, Mark James, Andrew Slark, Richard Smith, Martin Roberts. Replacements: Nathan Mathis, James Griffiths, Delme Bateman, Ryan Davies, Jonathan Slark.