Pill Harriers 17 – 48 Bedwas Barbarians
Dragons Athletic League, Saturday 28 January 2023.
Match report by Tyler Pesci-Griffiths, photography by Angela Brideaux
The BaaBaas side made the short trip to Pill Park to continue their league campaign.
The boys were looking to make it four wins from four, and repeat their home win over the boys from Newport.
The Barbarians started slowly, with Pill getting on the scoresheet first, crossing the whitewash just 5 minutes into the game, with the BaaBaas conceding their first try since mid-November.
However the lead didn’t last long, a great solo chip and chase from fullback Saul Down beat the Pill line and got the Barbarians afternoon off to a start. Owen Thomas added the extras.
The Bedwas boys still hadn’t fully settled though, as Pill found a way through the defence and touched down to put themselves back into the lead once more, this time with a successful conversion, taking the scoreline to 12-7.
As the first half reached its mid-point, the BaaBaas found their feet, and started playing some expansive rugby, putting their game plan into action, soon the score levelled as Tyler Pesci-Griffiths crashed through in the corner, this time with no extras from the tee.
As the first half drew to a close, the Pill Harriers defence was tested again, as the Bedwas attack intensified, and after some great phase play found scrum half Morgan Jones in some space, with the support of Ben Davis who opened his seasons try count by going over beneath the sticks. Owen Thomas successful with the kick.
Forwards coach Dean Picton was unhappy with the sides’ counter rucking in the first half. His instructions were carried out in the second half as the team responded.
The Bedwas boys came out firing in the second half. Less than 5 minutes in, they found themselves threatening the Pill line again. It wasn’t long before Morgan Jones found a small gap between the opposing half backs, and darted over the whitewash for an unconverted try.
Confidence grew throughout the game, with the BaaBaas side starting to open up and attack the defence all guns blazing.
A wide pass from Saul Down to Tyler Pesci-Griffiths bought the boys back inside the opposition half, with the ball being recycled and thrown out through the hands to find debutant Jack Stingemore, who had the gas to run the final 22 metres into the line untouched. Owen Thomas just caught the upright on the conversion. (12-33).
The BaaBaas defence wasn’t tested much during the second half, however a yellow card for Alex Kawulok led Pill to take advantage of their extra man, and find an unconverted try via their winger.
Not satisfied yet, the Bedwas attack rose again, this time it was Owain Brideaux who went over after a big surge from the pack. Two late tries then followed for the Wass boys in red. Some slick hands from Liam Lintern’s back line saw Tudor Charlesworth cross with a lovely finish to get the ball grounded, again unconverted.
The final play of the game came and the boys were not done yet. Replacement winger Martyn Evans decided he wanted some of the action, and put his burners on to see his opposite man off and score the final try in the corner. Conversion added by Owen Thomas, welcoming the final whistle.
Tries
Owain Brideaux
Tyler Pesci-Griffiths
Jack Stingemore
Tudor Charlesworth
Martyn Evans
Ben Davis
Saul Down
Morgan Jones
Conversions
Owen Thomas (4)
Bedwas Barbarians Man of the Match: Saul Down.
