Rumney RFC 24 Bedwas RFC 23
WRU Admiral Championship (East), Saturday 30 September 2023.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
A personal tally of eighteen points from James Dixon couldn’t stop Rumney claiming a deserved win.
On an overcast afternoon with a brisk cross field breeze both sides took time to settle but it was Bedwas who scored first. A penalty kicked to touch saw a lineout won and from the catch and drive Lewis Crane dived over for a try with ten minutes played. James Dixon added the conversion.
Rumney hit back with a try halfway through the half, Alfy Johnson crossing, Jake Hillman’s conversion levelling up the scores.
Rumney increased their advantage two minutes later courtesy of a try by Number 8 Tom Rogers which was unconverted.
Bedwas took off young flanker Lucas Weeks, moving Lewis Crane to the back row and Rhys Hutcherson to hooker and Brynley Toms coming on at tight head prop.
However, Rumney were not finished and a second try for hard working No.8 Tom Rogers increased their lead, but the conversion kick went wide.
Just before the break James Dixon reduced arrears with a well struck penalty goal to see Bedwas trail by seven points at the interval.
Jake Hillman missed an early penalty opportunity, but Bedwas reduced the home lead to four points shortly afterwards as Dixon was on target with a penalty goal.
A further Dixon penalty with fifteen minutes to play bought Bedwas to within a point but any hope of a comeback were dashed when replacement Marvin Hutchings set off on an arcing run from deep and with the Bedwas defence static took full advantage to cross for a try. Hillman added the conversion putting his side 8 points ahead with 8 minutes remaining.
Two minutes from time Bedwas attacked the home line and James Dixon pirouetted his way through the home defence to touch down under the posts. Dixon quickly added the conversion.
Bedwas sniffed a chance of an unlikely victory, but the Rumney defence was in no mood to concede what they had earned and deservedly held Bedwas out to claim a bonus point win with Bedwas having to settle for a losing bonus point.
Bedwas are next in action on Saturday 14th October when Penallta will be the visitors to the Bridge Field. Please note this game will kick-off at 1-00pm.
Match gallery is at: Bedwas RFC’s albums | Flickr