Bedwas RFC 36 Cambrian Welfare RFC 3.
WRU Admiral Championship, Saturday 28th September 2024.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas earned a bonus point victory over an ill-disciplined Cambrian side who transgressed frequently but when they played rugby looked to be a capable side.
On a sunny, dry early Autumn afternoon Bedwas thought they’d taken the lead in the lead in the second minute, but Tristan Kugler’s try was ruled out for a foot in touch earlier in the move.
Bedwas kept their discipline and were rewarded after 15 minutes after a sweeping move across the field saw Ben Eedy find the space to cross for a try. Lloyd Wilkins added the extras.
Several scuffles between the two sides ensued but no further action was taken by the referee. Lloyd Wilkins added a penalty after Cambrian were penalised for a ruck infringement as the half hour approached.
With five minutes of the half to play Bedwas increased their lead after a line out was won by Harry Oliver who immediately threw back to hooker Mike Dacey to cross for a try in the corner. Lloyd Wilkins successfully converted.
Cambrian had the last say of the half courtesy of a penalty by Julian Huntley.
Bedwas rang the changes early in the half with Alex Meeson and Lewis David making way for Dale Rogers and Lloyd Jones. Shortly afterwards another flare up on the pitch resulted in a yellow card for Harry Oliver and Cambrian’s Diesel Richards.
The Bedwas pack had been on top in the tight for most of the game, but fresh legs were introduced after fifty-two minutes as both starting props were replaced by Rhys Hutcherson and Brynley Toms.
Cambrian enjoyed a spell of possession but could not break down the Bedwas defence who repelled all that was thrown at them.
Cambrian discipline then imploded as two players were sinbinned three minutes apart for their part in further scuffles, flanker Tom Dunning went first followed three minutes later by his brother Ethan to leave just twelve players left on the pitch.
Harry Oliver extended Bedwas’ lead after 30 minutes with Lloyd Wilkins’s conversion kick hitting a post and rebounding to safety.
Bedwas continued their dominance and a break down the wing by Rhys Morgans was halted by an illegal challenge and Cambrian’s Diesel Richards was shown a second yellow card (which became a red card) for his misdemeanour which resulted in a penalty try for Bedwas.
With a bonus point in the bag Bedwas were in no mood for any concessions and wrapped up the scoring with three minutes to play as Lloyd Wilkins crossed for a try before adding the conversion.
The referee blew for time shortly afterwards as once again ill-discipline from the visitors saw more fighting and the referee decided to end the proceedings.
Next Saturday Bedwas are at home to Rumney RFC in a Championship Cup fixture, kick off is at the usual time of 2-30pm.
The Bedwas Man of the Match sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant was awarded to Tristan Kugler.
This week’s match gallery is at https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums
