BEDWAS BARBARIANS RFC 24 Newport HSOB RFC 18.
Dragons Athletic League, Saturday 6th April 2024.
Match report by Dean Picton, photography by Angela Brideaux.
Bedwas Barbarians went into this top of the League clash knowing that only a Bonus Point win would be required to secure top of the table with two games to go in their efforts to win the Dragons Athletic League for the second time in two seasons.
From the kick off, the Baa Baa’s put NHSOB under pressure with some great interchange play from the forwards and backs. From a scrum, scrum half, Morgan Jones gave a great pass to put the backs on the front foot which allowed the in-form Tyler Picton to sidestep and accelerate to score a great try which was unconverted.
NHSOB came back with some strong interplay in which the Barbarians defended with their lives but gave away a penalty which NHSOB successfully kicked. NHSOB went ahead with a great try running straight through the Barbarians backline which was unconverted.
It was a hell of a shift by both packs whereby both sides were up for it. Some great play by Lucas Weeks and Cameron Cross led to Tyler Picton’s second try which gave some momentum to the Barbarians.
Alex Kawulok was particularly prominent with his strong runs from the backrow which led to a fantastic try. Kawulok sprinted off, smashing into three opposing players to score which was converted by Owen Thomas.
Back came NHSOB with some great play from one side to the other to score a great try on the wing. It was now time for changes for the Barbarian’s to keep the momentum going with Arran Attwood and Ashley Matthews coming on for Mike Young and Morgan Phipps.
Great play saw flanker Logan Hughes sprint fifty metres, going left, then right to what everybody thought was a try only for the referee to disallow. Back came NHSOB with a try from their forwards.
The final nail in the coffin came from an interception from the NHSOB centres saw Tom Grainger sprint the whole half to score under the posts and put daylight between both teams.
Again, NHSOB came back with another try but this was too late, and the Barbarians secured possession to allow the final whistle to be blown.
Overall, a great four try bonus point win over a hard Newport side.
Next League game. Saturday 20th April 2024 NHSOB V BEDWAS BARBARIANS, Kick-off 2.30pm. The rematch!
The table as it stands:
