Cardiff Met RFC 41 Bedwas RFC 26
WRU Admiral Championship, Saturday 25 March 2023.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Conceding two tries in two minutes in the lead up to half time proved costly to Bedwas as they slipped to a fourth successive defeat on Saturday. The starting team had a late change with Lewis Crane starting at Number 8 in place of a poorly Dale Rogers with James Dixon taking on the captains armband.
On a dry afternoon with a swirling strong wind Bedwas were first on the scoreboard with Lewis Crane storming in at the left-hand corner from 20 metres out following good hands from James Dixon and Cyle Powell. Dixon’s conversion went wide.
Five minutes later Met hit back with a try from full back Osian Hill converted by Osian Evans. Three minutes later Evans kicked a penalty to increase his sides’ lead.
Bedwas made some good breaks into the Met half but the finishing touch eluded them before with just over half played Ben Sier crashed through for a try, Dixon’s conversion putting his side ahead.
Just before the half hour Met went ahead again with a try from flanker Cai Davies, converted by Osian Evans.
Both sides looked to increase their scores and it was the home side who accomplished that with two converted tries in two minutes before the break with both home wingers getting on the act. A fast break out of defence set up left winger Josh Carrington for the first try, converted by Evans.
Almost immediately after the restart an inaccurate Bedwas pass in midfield was intercepted by Ben Parsons and he sprinted away past a flat footed Bedwas defence to cross for a try under the posts. Osian Evans converted and his side led by 31 points to 12 as the whistle blew for half time.
Bedwas made changes at the start of the second half with Ben Drew making way for Tom Workman, Jack Guy replacing Cyle Powell and Corey Howells on for Liam Jenkins.
With the game becoming a bit of an arm wrestle Bedwas pulled a try back in the left-hand corner through Lloyd Wilkins, Dixon converting from the very narrow angle.
Bedwas joy at getting back into the game lasted just two minutes as Met replacement Ali Stacey crossed for an unconverted try.
Dale Rogers was driven over for a try converted by Dixon a few minutes later and with the deficit now only ten points Bedwas sensed a chance to claim more than the bonus point Rogers’ try had earned.
Met put the game to bed with three minutes left to play thanks to a try for scrum-half Zak Roberts, Evans missed the conversion but it mattered not as his side held on for a deserved victory.
Next Saturday, (April 1st) Bedwas host Maesteg Quins RFC, kick-off 2-30pm.
Images from this game are at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums