Bedwas Barbarians 31 Monmouth Druids 28.
Dragons Athletic Cup, Tuesday 14 May 2024.
Report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas Barbarians completed their 2023-24 season with victory in the Dragons Athletic Cup. This success sees the team achieving back-to-back victories in both League and Cup competitions for last two seasons.
The team deserve all the plaudits for their hard work on the training paddock where numbers have been consistently good all season. Under the guidance of Dean Picton the boys have been committed to achieving whatever the obstacles in their path.
All at Bedwas RFC hope this will continue into next season and beyond. We hope this will be a catalyst for any would be players who are invited to express their interest in coming aboard.
Last night’s opponents Monmouth Druids should be congratulated for their part in an entertaining, well fought game. Bedwas took an early lead via two tries from Tyler Picton and Owen Thomas, Owen converting the first try.
Monmouth came back into the contest with an unconverted try by Joe Parks and a Rhys Evans penalty to go into a twelve points to five lead which was increased by another converted try, scored by Joe Impey converted by Rhys Evans.
Bedwas hit back on the stroke of half time via a Harvey Stroud try, improved by Owen Thomas’s conversion to give Bedwas a one-point advantage at the break.
Evans missed a long-range penalty kick before Bedwas increased their lead from a driving maul, Ryan Butcher being the scorer although the conversion was missed.
Monmouth declined a penalty goal chance in front the posts before losing possession, Tristan Kugler hoovered up a loose ball and ran the full length of the pitch to cross under the posts. Tyler Picton converted.
Monmouth refused to lie down and scored two tries by Dan Hardy in the left-hand corner but crucially both went unconverted and Bedwas were able to hold out for the last ninety seconds to spark wild celebrations by the team and their supporters.
Bedwas Man of the Match: Tristan Kugler
Monmouth Man of the Match Rhys Evans
You can watch the match on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enKS2eFtBEM