Bedwas RFC 17 Neath RFC 22
WRU Admiral Championship, Saturday 25 February 2022.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas earned a valuable losing bonus point against a strong Neath side in a keenly fought game.
Bedwas had first use of a stiff breeze in the first half and after a helter-skelter first ten minutes it was the home side who lead courtesy of a James Dixon penalty.
The visitors replied soon after as number 8 David Griggs was driven over for a try, Rhys Harris’s conversion attempt went wide.
Neath should have extended their lead almost half way through the half but again Harris was inaccurate off the floor as his penalty kick drifted wide.
Bedwas lost Ben Drew with a head injury after 24 minutes and he was replaced by Jordan Rogers (brother of Dale) on permit from Cross Keys.
Neath were reduced to fourteen men after 30 minutes as Luc Jones was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on.
With Jones’ time on the side lines nearly elapsed a cross-field kick by James Dixon was gathered by Aaron Billingham who made ground before slipping the ball inside to the supporting Will Keep to cross for a well taken try. James Dixon’s conversion put Bedwas ahead.
There was still time for Neath to score another try as David Griggs was driven over for a try, Harris this time converting and the referee blew for half time.
Indiscipline cost Bedwas at the start of the second half, Callaghan Smith being yellow carded for back chat and Harry Oliver yellow carded for his part in a scuffle both within ten minutes of the start.
Neath made the extra numbers count as Aled Brew powered through for a try but again Harris’ conversion was off target.
Bedwas tried to hit back but a pass in midfield was intercepted by Brew who raced through to put the supporting Ryan Evans in for try, again unconverted.
Midway through the half Bedwas managed to close the gap as an indiscretion on the Bedwas try line saw the home side awarded a penalty try and the gap closed to five points.
The game became a bit of an arm wrestle as both sides sought a further try, their efforts were in vain as both sides were reduced to fourteen men as Sam Davies and Rhys Harris were given a ten-minute rest for an off the ball incident.
Both sides huffed and puffed but no further scores were forthcoming.
Bedwas RFC would like to thank todays match sponsors ‘Bedwas RFC former players’
The Bedwas ‘Man of the Match’ sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant of Caerphilly was awarded to Aaron Billingham.
Today’s images can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums
Next week Bedwas host Beddau RFC at the Bridge Field, kick off at the usual time of 2-30pm.