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Play-off race hots up

Play-off race hots up

Llanelli secured a narrow 7-6 win over Bedwas at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday as the race for the Premiership play-off intensifies.

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The one point victory means the west Wales side are now four points behind Bedwas with a game in hand but with the Gwent outfit earning a bonus point, it is now incredibly tight between them, Llanelli and Llandovery in fourth. 

From Llanelli’s point of view, all they can do is keep winning and they did just that on Saturday, albeit by the narrowest of margins.

A try from Nick Reynolds, converted by Jordan Williams proved the decisive score in a tight encounter. Ethan Davies responded for Bedwas with two second half penalties but a dogged Llanelli held on.

Bedwas did earn a deserved bonus point though, once which may be crucial come the end of the season.

With defences on top, Bedwas had the majority of the early possession but against the run off play Llanelli took the lead through Reynolds’ try, converted by Williams.

Bedwas continued to dominate but could not break through with Davies missing one penalty effort and striking a post with another.

The second half began in pouring rain but it seemed to help Davies find his kicking boots as a pair of penalties meant his side trailed by a single point.

Bedwas continued to take the game to their hosts but for all their possession, they could not penetrate a well organised defence.

Davies had a chance to put Bedwas ahead with just minutes remaining but saw his long range effort fall short as the hosts held on.

This Saturday, Bedwas entertain Pontypridd before Llandovery visit the Bridge Field to complete the regular season.

The Drovers are still well in contention for the play-offs themselves as they got the better of Bridgend at the Brewery Field.

The game was a drab affair, ruined by handling errors and persistent penalties but the visitors played the conditions the better for a 10-5 win.

James Garland had given the visitors the lead but with scoring opportunities scarce, it was the only score of the first half.
The second half saw more of the same with the wind and rain causing havoc to the goal kicking success rate. In such wet conditions, it was no surprise to see the first score come in scrappy fashion, Jack Roberts wriggling his way over the line.

Garland added the extras to provide the visitors some breathing space on the score board.

Bridgend refused to lie down though and fought hard to get back into the tie. Tom Grabham went over the whitewash out wide though Jamie Murphy put a tricky conversion wide of the upright as his side fell short. 

In the other game to take place, Swansea secured a much needed victory over Newport at St. Helen’s. 

The home side were in control throughout the match and took a half-time lead with No. 8 Dan Baker scoring their first try.

Newport attempted a comeback at the start of the second half and did so with a couple of Geraint O’Driscoll penalties.

However, it was Andrew Paul who scored Swansea’s second try of the afternoon to seal a 24-9 victory.

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