BEDWAS RFC 24 CARDIFF RFC 34

Principality Welsh Cup, Quarter Final, Saturday 27 March 2010.

Match report by John Meredith, photography by Ian Lovell

 Bedwas hosted Cardiff for the second time in a week, the big question on all Bedwas supporters lips was could Bedwas see off Cardiff for the second time in little over a week. Cardiff made a few changes from last week, notably having Gareth Davies back at outside half and also Jamie Ringer and Craig Morgan, internationals both back in the starting fifteen. Both sides played some  sparkling rugby, producing an enjoyable, pulsating game.

 Cardiff had the first chance to open the scoring but Davies’s penalty attempt went wide. Bedwas had an attempt at goal after 7 minutes after Cardiff were penalised for offside, Greendale’s attempt in to the wind was wide.

Bedwas took the game to their visitors and following a set scrum a good break down the right after 14 minutes by Nathan Williams saw Matt Pizey score out wide, Greendale being unsuccessful with his conversion attempt.

 Cardiff hit back and after a tap penalty Craig Morgan burst through for a good try, the conversion by Davies again wide of the posts. Cardiff upped the ante and Greendale’s clearance kick was charged down and outside half Gareth Davies broke through for a try, but he failed to add the extras. It was all Cardiff at this stage and although Davies missed another penalty goal attempt they added a third try from livewire scrum half Slater under the sticks, Davies finally managing to add the extras.

Bedwas had a chance to get back into the game but after a good build up second row Murphy knocked on and the chance was gone. Accurate kicking to the corner kept Cardiff on the offensive but Bedwas defended for their lives. Deep into injury time Bedwas number 8 Mattravers found himself sin binned for playing the ball on the floor. From the set scrum five metres out Bedwas were harshly penalised for a scrum offence and the referee awarded a penalty try. Davies added the extras and Cardiff reached half time 24 points to 5 to the good.

Bedwas made several changes at the interval to try and salvage something from the game. Centre Nathan Williams showed good strength to break a tackle and run in for a good try converted by Greendale within five minutes of the restart.

Cardiff hit back five minutes later and centre Darren Ryan ran through for a converted try.

Back came Bedwas, Stuart Thomas ran in a brilliant try as he swerved through the Cardiff backline for an excellent individual try, Greendale adding the extras.

It was all Bedwas at thus stage and Cardiff were struggling to contain a rampant Bedwas side who were attacking from all angles. Good work after 58 minutes by the Bedwas forwards saw hooker Aaron Fowler barge through in the corner, Greendale was unable to add the conversion. Bedwas through everything at their visitors but despite being on the front foot for prolonged periods were unable to break through. Stuart Thomas was a constant thorn in Cardiff’s side with strong elusive running but Cardiff defence kept the home side out.

With the clock running down Cardiff played some very cute close phase rugby to work their way upfield before being awarded a kickable penalty, Davies successfully adding the three points to seal the win as Bedwas good not gain enough possession to threaten the visitors defence.

STAR MAN

Bedwas full back Stuart Thomas was at the heart of all the good things his team did today, his elusive running made it a difficult afternoon for the Cardiff defence.