The competition league season kicked off for the 1st XV and the Warriors on the weekend.

The 1st XV travelled west to face old foes Narberth where there is always a warm welcome on and off the field.

Narberth were far more accurate in the first twenty minutes and they capitalised on a couple of defensive errors from Bargoed, with two converted tries to lead 14-0.

Bargoed managed to strike back with a try by hard working back rower Jason James to close the gap to 14-5.

Bargoed started to make some breaks with Dylan Williams causing the Narberth defence some problems and it was Ashley Norton who benefited from some great work on the inside, to enable him to score in the corner.

Joe Scrivens kicked the conversion from the touch line to close the gap to 14-12.

The Otters piled the pressure on Bargoed with half time approaching and a great defensive set saw the defence hold firm and force a penalty.

Bargoed failed to clear their lines on two occasions and then conceded a penalty which the hosts kicked to lead 17-12 at half time.

The second half saw Bargoed create space but poor decision making resulted in the opportunity being squandered.

Bargoed continued to attack and apply pressure but conceded a penalty.

Narberth responded quickly and moved the ball wide to score at the other end of the field and lead 24-12.

The Bulls fought back and remained patient and after a series of drives Jason James got his second try which was converted by Josh Prosser.

The visitors conceded a breakdown penalty on 56 minutes and Narberth punished them to increase the lead to 25 -19

Bargoed were looking to strike back immediately and excellent work once again from Dylan Williams saw Bargoed get into the opposition 22 and good work on the inside created space for athletic second row Morgan Thomas to crash over for the bonus point try.

Prosser added the extras and Bargoed were on top for the first time in the game, leading 26-25.

Bargoed had more of the territorial game but poor execution and indiscipline resulted in them coming away empty handed.

This continued and with five minutes to go they conceded another penalty for crossing and the Otters kicked the penalty to regain the lead and ultimately win the game 28-26

The Coaching staff will be disappointed with the result but Bargoed did pick up two bonus points.

The Warriors entertained Blackwood Stars in a Division 5 East battle at Bargoed Park.

There were tries for Josh Michael, Adam Jones, Ben Jones, Brad Crossman, Morgan Powell, Charlie Williams and two for Leon James. Charlie Williams added 10 points with the boot.