Munster lost their 100 per cent record in the Celtic League to a spirited and rejuvenated Neath at the Gnoll last night.

Despite a late try by Irish international Mick Galwey and 15 points from the boot of Lion outhalf Ronan O'Gara, the visitors could have no real complaint at the final whistle.

The damage was undoubtedly done in the first-half, the end of which saw Neath leading 21-6.

And coach Declan Kidney will want to address why his team, normally so efficient and well organised, at home or away, were so shapeless for much of the 80 minutes.

O'Gara made a steady enough return to action after the rigours of his summer efforts Down Under, but he was completely overshadowed by his opposite number, the Welsh international stand-off Lee Jarvis. Jarvis, a summer capture from neighbouring Pontypridd went through the card in inspiring his team to their fourth win in as many outings this term.

Perhaps the writing was on the wall as early as fifth minute when he blasted over a penalty from eight metres inside his own half to hand his team an early advantage.

All-action openside David Wallace was to the fore throughout but it was his offside in the 23rd minute that allowed Jarvis to boot the hosts back into a 9-6 lead after he and O'Gara had traded penalties.

Neath claimed the first try on the half hour when almost the entire Munster squad expected Jarvis to opt for goal when Neath were awarded a penalty 30 metres out.

But as skipper Peter Clohessy called his experienced charges into a huddle, Jarvis, who had not indicated his intentions to referee Rob Dickson, decided to take a cheeky quick one and strolled over the line unopposed.

A quite superb try moments before half-time finished off by Jarvis after a wonderful counter-attack from deep ensured Neath went in at half-time leading 21-6.

In the second half the Munster forwards, aided by Paul O'Connell who was excellent at second row, managed to exert more control and three more O'Gara penalties reduced the arrears to 21-15 on the hour.

But despite Galwey's late score from a rolling maul, that man Jarvis steered his side home with two penalties and a drop goal in the final 15 minutes.

Scorers: Neath: Tries - L Jarvis (2); Cons - Jarvis; Pens - Jarvis (5); Drop goal - Jarvis. Munster: Try - M Galwey; Con - O'Gara; Pens - O'Gara (5).