BEDWAS climbed to third in the Principality Premiership after claiming a bonus-point win in the late November sunshine against RGC 1404, writes Ian Lovell.

The north Walians were into their stride straight form kick off and following a Bedwas clearance kick into the visitors 22 metre area quick hands saw inside centre Tiann Loots exploit a huge gap in the home defence to run in a try from eighty metres. Jacob Botica added the conversion from in front of the posts.

Two minutes later another hole in the Bedwas defence was exposed as back rower ran through some flat footed defending to double his sides’ advantage, Botica again adding the extras.

Fourteen points down inside four minutes it looked like it could be a long afternoon for Bedwas but the home forwards worked hard and took the game to their opponents.

Bedwas dominated possession and territory but RGC defended very well to frustrate the home side. They were finally rewarded just before the half hour when James Richards ran a great angle to dive over for a try, James S. Dixon adding the conversion.

Bedwas continued to attack and with the visitors down to 14 men following a yellow card against RGC’s Maredydd Francis for stamping continued to dominate. Just before the interval Bedwas moved the ball right and Phillip Pariyo ploughed over for an unconverted try.

James S Dixon missed an early second half penalty chance before Elliot Dee dived over for a try, Dixon missed with the conversion attempt.

Bedwas continued to attack and Nicky Griffiths quickly taken tap penalty saw the supporting Dan Preece crash over for the bonus point earning try, Dixon converted to put his side ten points clear.

RGC battled to get back into the game but attempts to reduce the deficit via the boot of Botica were in vain with the fly half having a bad day at the office from the kicking tee, although his kick after 74 minutes reduced the arrears to seven points and at least a losing bonus point looked likely.

James S Dixon then extended the Bedwas lead to ten points via the kicking tee before Botica had a last kick-of-the-game penalty attempt to rescue the losing bonus point but his kick went wide.