Bedwas RFC 17 RGC 1404 RFC 45
Principality Welsh Premiership, Saturday 30th March 2019.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas’ hopes of surviving relegation took a huge dent as seven try RGC ran riot at a sunny Bridgefield.
The writing was on the door as early as the second minute as scrum half Efan Jones crossed for his sides first try, converted by Billy McBride (under the watchful eye of his father team Wales forwards coach Robyn).
Bedwas’ attempts to get into the game were thwarted by inaccuracy in midfield as a chance to get through was fumbled. A Joseph Scrivens penalty did at least reduce arrears and the scoreboard went unchanged for the next 12 minutes.
However RGC were beginning to find their mojo and after 20 minutes increased their lead via a try from hooker Evan Yardley again converted by McBride.
RGC were using their superior size and pace to good effect and increased their lead on 25 minutes courtesy of their speedy winger Sam Jones who crossed for a try again improved upon by McBride.
A minute before half time the visitors posted their bonus point winning try this time courtesy of the opposite wingman as Harri Evans crossed for a try, McBride maintaining his 100% record with the boot.
Tries just before and just after half time gave Bedwas hope of further reward as James Richards was driven over just before the break and then Luke Crane caught the visitors defence napping as he took a quick tap penalty before diving over the line. Both tries were converted by Joseph Scrivens to reduce the deficit to 11 points.
RGC were in no mood to surrender and responded with a fifth try courtesy of a second try of the day by winger Jones this time in the corner, McBride missing the conversion.
Bedwas’ weakness in midfield continued to be exposed and just after the hour any hopes the Bedwas faithful held quickly evaporated as centre Danny Cross ran through for an unconverted try, McBride’s first half accuracy deserting him.
RGC continued to hold all the aces and completed the scoring on 74 minutes after being awarded a penalty try after the Bedwas scrum was shunted backwards; to compound Bedwas misery Mike Dacey was sinbinned for his part in the misdemeanour.
The Man of the Match award sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant of Caerphilly was awarded to Luke Crane.
With five games to play Bedwas have slipped into the bottom four after Llanelli recorded a bonus point win at Aberavon to climb above them. Next Saturday (6th April) Bedwas host Bridgend in what is a must win game for the club if relegation is to be avoided, with both sides facing the spectre of the big drop a huge battle is in prospect.
Images from this game can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums