Tondu RFC 12 Bedwas RFC 26
WRU Championship Cup, round 2, Saturday 25th October 2025.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas overcame a strong Tondu side to book a place in the third round of the WRU Challenge Cup.
On a cloudy, showery afternoon Bedwas played into the strong swirling breeze in the first half.
Both sides took time to settle but Bedwas looked to be in a position to take the lead but lost an attacking line out thirty metres from the home lead. Tondu pounced and after hacking the ball through scrum half Gar Lindenburn won the race to the ball to touch down. Jamie Murphy added the extras.
Bedwas hit back eight minutes later. Following a penalty kicked to touch Bedwas won the line out and a driving maul aided by the extra body of Lewis Bowden saw the centre dive over from close range. James Dixon added the conversion.
The match was becoming an arm wrestle with both sides in no mood to give up possession. However, a brawl on eighteen minutes saw Tondu lose a man to the sin bin as flanker TJ Edwards was adjudged to have ran in and punch a Bedwas player.
Bedwas had an opportunity shortly afterwards, but Rhys Morgans was unable to score what should have been a try from Luke Crane’s pass as he dropped the ball with the line at his mercy.
Tondu had one further opportunity to increase their lead, but Jamie Murphy’s long range penalty kick drifted wide of the posts, so half time arrived with both sides locked on seven points apiece.
With the breeze at their back Bedwas started the second half with purpose.
With nine minutes played Bedwas took the lead for the first time in the contest with Lewis Bowden joining the forward pack to be driven over for his second try of the day. Dixon’s conversion went wide of the target.
Bedwas continued to attack and a break down the middle by replacement Harry Oliver gained a try for Rhys Morgans. Dixon successfully converted and Bedwas were twelve points to the good.
Bedwas replaced tiring legs and the game continued to be physical battle, but no further scores were added. James Dixon had an opportunity to add to his points tally but his penalty goal attempt went wide.
With less than five minutes remaining an Aaron Billingham try wide out on the right wing, converted by Dixon ensured that Bedwas held an unassailable points margin with so little time left to play.
There was still time left for more drama as Harry Oliver received a yellow card for head contact as well as a broken nose for his troubles.
The home side put in one last big effort and had the last say as replacement Adam Lang crossed for a try. Murphy’s last kick of the game conversion missed the target.
Bedwas RFC would like to thank Tondu RFC for their splendid hospitality and we wish them well for the remainder of the season.
The Bedwas Man of the Match award was given to Ben Sier.
It’s back to league action next Saturday (November 1st) as we welcome Rumney RFC to the Bridgefield.
Todays match images can be found at https://www.flickr.com/bedwasrfc/albums
