Bedwas hold on for deserved victory in evenly fought contest.

Bedwas RFC 37 Glamorgan Wanderers RFC 31.

WRU Admiral Championship East, Saturday 19 October 2024.

Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.

 As anticipated, this was a well fought battle against a quality side, but Bedwas did enough to claim the points and take the unbeaten record to five games.

On a mild, sunny October afternoon it was the visitors who took the first points after Bedwas were penalised at a ruck. Full back Evan Gregg converting the resulting penalty with only two minutes played.

Bedwas responded almost immediately via a Lloyd Wilkins penalty in front of the posts only for Gregg to notch his second penalty of the afternoon from close to the halfway line.

It got better for the Wanderers after eleven minutes as their captain Josh Male crossed in the corner for a try improved by Gregg’s conversion. They could have increased their lead a few minutes later but a knock on close to the Bedwas line let Bedwas off the hook.

However, Wanderers did not wait that long to increase their lead as Bedwas were adjudged offside and Gregg took advantage to add the three points to put his side ten points ahead.

Again, Bedwas struck back quickly. A penalty cleared to touch saw the line-out won and from the ensuing catch and drive Mike Dacey was last man off the turf to claim the try, Lloyd Wilkins duly added the conversion.

There were no further scores in the first half as both kept each other at bay.

With the breeze at their backs for the second half Bedwas wasted no time in regaining the lead as Will Fishlock stormed through a gap for an unconverted try.

Mike Dacey notched his second try of the afternoon five minutes again driven over by his pack colleagues but again the try went unconverted.

Wanderers hit back and after a dropped pass in midfield by Bedwas quick hand saw replacement Amir Jiwa Walji race in under the posts. Evan Gregg added the extras to tie up the game at twenty-three points apiece.

Bedwas refused to buckle and earned a penalty try after twenty-three minutes which saw Wanderers flanker Osian Phillips deemed the guilty party of pulling down a maul and therefore an enforced ten-minute rest for his troubles. From a Bedwas perspective this was just what the doctor ordered as it saw a bonus point for four tries coming their way.

With the advantage of an extra man Bedwas continued to attack and Tristan Kugler continued his impressive start to life in the first fifteen by adding a try as he burst through a hole in the defence. Lloyd Wilkins added the extras and Bedwas found themselves fourteen points ahead.

Bedwas attempts to increase the lead were thwarted by a disallowed Tristan Kugler interception try after a long advantage to the visitors saw the play go back for a penalty.

Wanderers fought hard to stay in the game and their hopes were lifted with ten minutes to play as outside centre Aron Arthur crossed for a try, but Gregg’s conversion kick was off target.

With the clock running down a further penalty goal from Evan Gregg increased the tension for the Bedwas faithful but they managed to hold on for a hard-earned win.

The Bedwas Man of the Match sponsored by Casa Mia restaurant of Caerphilly was awarded to Mike Dacey.

Next Saturday (26th October) Bedwas host neighbours Penallta in Championship Cup Second round fixture.

Todays match gallery is at https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums

Bedwas RFC would like to thank CDH Contractors Ltd of Caerphilly for their generous sponsorship of this fixture. We hope you enjoyed your afternoon!

FOOTNOTE

Bedwas RFC would like to publicly thank the Glamorgan Wanderers player who handed in the gate money after the takings had inadvertently mislaid. Please come and find one of our directors at the return fixture and we will be delighted to buy you a pint in appreciation of honesty.

We would also like to thank the entire Glamorgan Wanderers squad for sweeping out their dressing room after the game, leaving it in pristine condition. Thank you, gentlemen, for your sportsmanship.