BEDWAS started the Principality Premiership season with a superb 28-24 victory at Carmarthen Quins.

Steve Law’s side made a dream start with Newport Gwent Dragons lock Matthew Screech barging over for a try that Richard Powell converted for an eight-point lead under the trial scoring system.

The hosts responded with converted tries from number eight Josh Middleton and scrum-half Kieran Hardy.

Powell banged over a penalty and it was 16-16 at the break courtesy of Bedwas flanker George Lee’s close-range score.

Bedwas had the wind at their backs in the second half and took control despite Deri Mattravers being sin-binned for a breakdown offence.

Another Powell penalty was followed by a penalty try (automatic eight points with no conversion) after Dragons academy wing George Gasson was on the receiving end of a high tackle as he crossed the line, an offence that also saw full-back Chris Banfield sin-binned.

Powell seemed to have secured the win with a 65th minute penalty but the Quins made it a nervy finale when centre Rhys Williams, who had a spell on loan at the Dragons last season, burst through a gap in the closing stages.

The conversion cut the gap to four points but Bedwas held their nerve and will attempt to make it two from two on the road at Aberavon on Saturday.