Bedwas RFC 11 Bargoed RFC 28.
WRU Admiral Championship, Friday 10 March 2023.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Two late tries sealed the victory for Bargoed and gave the scoreline a very flattering look but Bedwas performed much better than in the previous week and were unlucky not to take something from the game.
After the snow that fell earlier in the week had melted away the Bedwas pitch was in excellent condition on this cold, early spring Friday.
Bedwas were first on the scoreboard as Bargoed infringed at a ruck and James Dixon successfully converted the penalty kick to put his side ahead after two minutes.
Bargoed hit back quickly and a fast break put former Bedwas player Steffan Jones on for a try which he converted. Barely a minute later and Bargoed again were deemed guilty of a ruck offence this time to the right of the posts. James Dixon was again successful from the kicking tee.
Bedwas battled hard and gained reward after 16 minutes. A lineout thrown to the front of the line was immediately thrown back to hooker Mike Dacey. He made good ground before slipping the back to the supporting Rhys Morgans to cross in the corner. Dixon’s kick hit a post and rebounded to safety.
Bargoed responded with prolonged pressure and possession with the Bedwas fronting up well to deny them until they eventually found a way through with a try for Lewis Lippiett converted by Steffan Jones.
With the half coming to an end Dixon had an opportunity to tie up the scores but unfortunately his long range kicked went wide of the posts.
The second half saw Bedwas have much more possession, but no further points were added by both sides. Bargoed were reduced to fourteen men with the sinbinning of Wade Langley, but his teammates stepped up to deny Bedwas.
On three occasions Bedwas broke at speed towards the Bargoed line only to be denied by misplaced passes or covering tackles, one of which on Billingham looked worthy of a yellow card but the referee deemed otherwise.
Bargoed finally put some distance in front after 74 minutes with James Leadbeater crossing for a try converted by Steff Jones.
With two minutes left to play Bargoed ran in their fourth and bonus point earning try through Ollie Andrews again converted by Jones.
Bedwas have no game next weekend and return to action on Saturday 25 March as they travel to Cyncoed, Cardiff to take on the students of Cardiff Met RFC.
The Bedwas Man of the Match sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant was awarded to Lloyd Wilkins.
Images from this game are at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums