A last-gasp penalty from Welsh international wing Shane Williams gave Neath a36-33 win over Ebbw Vale and kept alive their slim chances of qualifying for next year's Heineken European Cup.

With the scores tied on 33-33 approaching full-time, Ebbw Vale went offside in front of their posts and Williams landed the simple penalty. However, Neath - who face Newport in the Principality Cup Final next weekend -
will only qualify for European Cup action if Bridgend lose their two remaining away games involving Caerphilly (Saturday) and Swansea (Wednesday).
"We just deserved to scrape a three-point win but there were weaknesses in defence which must be ironed out before facing Newport in the Cup final," said Neath coach Lyn Jones. Neath shot into a 14-point lead in as many minutes and looked in complete control at this stage.

As early as the second minute wing Kevin James was worked over for a try and wing Shane Williams converted from the touchline.

Twelve minutes later a searing break from fly-half Tristan Davies split the Vale defence and centre James Storey was on hand to touchdown. Wing Williams added the extras.

The Gwent side's opening score in the 16th minute came via a Shaun Connor penalty and two minutes later centre Rhys Shorney just managed to hit the try line and record the 61st League try of his career.

Fly-half Connor converted and landed a penalty and right on half-time wing Stephen John capitalised on a poor Williams drop-out to touchdown wide out with Connor adding the extras. Adrift 20-14 at half-time, the All Blacks hit back with a try from centre Dave Tiueti only for Vale to respond immediately through flanker Gareth Green.

Tries from replacement flanker Steve Tandy and wing James took Neath into a 33-27 lead on the hour, but two Connor penalties squared matters until Williams settled it late on.