Bedwas RFC 23 Ammanford RFC 0
WRU Championship Cup Semi-final, Saturday 24th January 2026.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
A dominant performance by the Bedwas side saw them win through to the final of the Championship Cup after overcoming a plucky Ammanford side.
Rain in the lead up to the game and on the day resulted in a wet pitch but both sides worked hard to overcome any issues.
The game kicked off in steady rain with Bedwas taking a very early lead. A break down the middle by Dale Rogers set up the move for Bedwas to quickly move the ball across the line for Aaron Billingham to cross with less than two minutes elapsed. James Dixon was off target with his conversion.
Shortly afterwards good work by Adam Williams looked like it had produced a second Bedwas try through James Hallett only for it to be overruled by a touch judge spotting a foot in touch during the build-up.
Bedwas lost Owen Jones to a head injury with Rhys Morgans entering the fray as his replacement just before a Bedwas infringement gave Ammanford’s fly half Sam Potter the chance to reduce the arrears. His kick from the halfway line drifted wide.
Bedwas had further opportunities to extend their lead but dropped passes and wrong options saw the score remain the same until midway through the half when James Dixon landed a close-range penalty from in front of the posts.
Ammanford also made errors as they tried to get back into the game, but it was Bedwas who extended their lead just before half time. A Bedwas driving maul made headway towards the Ammanford line eventually driving centre Lewis Bowden over the line for a try which went unconverted.
Ammanford had a good deal of possession and territory as the half ended but the Bedwas defence held strong and no further scores were added.
With the rain abating at the start of the second half both sides continued to battle. With thirteen minutes elapsed Bedwas increased their lead as Mike Dacey charged through for a try improved upon by James Dixon.
Bedwas made a raft of changes, but no further scores were added before a James Dixon penalty awarded for a tip tackle on Hamish Anderson gave Ammanford too much to do with only nine minutes to play.
Nevertheless, the West Walians still looked to try at least a consolation try but again Bedwas held strong despite going down to fourteen men for the last four minutes as Jake Lee was sinbinned for a ruck offence.
This victory sees Bedwas play in the final of the Championship Cup against Bridgend Athletic RFC who beat Newcastle Emlyn RFC seventeen points to six in the other semi-final. This game will take place at the National Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 12th April 2026, kick-off time to be confirmed.
The Bedwas Man of the Match was awarded to Dale Rogers.
Next Saturday (31st January) it’s back to league action as Bedwas host Mountain Ash RFC, kick-off 2-30pm.
Today’s match gallery is at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums
