LOCAL RESULTS FROM THE RUGBY AND SOCCER SCENE

NEATH got back to winning ways after their home defeat to unbeaten Pontypool as they closed to within five points of the leaders in the Admiral Championship thanks to a 22-22 win at Bedwas in yesterday’s only game in the division.

Bedwas took an early lead through a James Dixon penalty before Neath bagged their first try. No 8 David Griggs was driven over, but Rhys Harris’s conversion attempt went wide. He also then missed with a penalty shot

Neath’s frustrations were compounded when Luc Jones was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on after half an hour. That gave the home side the chance to strike and a pinpoint cross-field kick by Dixon was gathered by Aaron Billingham, who sent Will Keep in for a try.

Dixon added the extras, but their lead didn’t last long. Griggs got his second try, which Harris this time converted, and they led 12-10 at the break

There was still time for Neath to score another try as David Griggs was driven over for a try,

Harris this time converting and the referee blew for half time.

Bedwas then got struck by yellow fever as Callaghan Smith was sent to the sin-bin for back chat and Harry Oliver followed for his part in a scuffle. That meant they were down to 13 for a while.

The extra numbers allowed former Wales wing Aled Brew to power over for a try. He then made the running for Ryan Evans to score the bonus-point try. A penalty try for Bedwas cut the gap five points, but that was as close as it got.

As the tension rose, two more players went to the sinbin for another scuffle. Sam Davies for the ‘Was and Harries for the visitors, making it five in the match.

Cardiff met moved up to third place thanks to their big win at Tata Steel on Friday night. The 57-15 victory moved them ahead of reigning champions Bargoed into third place.