Bedwas RFC 30 Rumney RFC 15.
WRU Championship Cup Round 1, Saturday 05 October 2024.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas progressed to the second round of the Championship at the expense of opponents Rumney who had two tries (one in each half) ruled out for being ‘held up’ over the line.
Bedwas started at pace and took the lead after four minutes courtesy of a first Bedwas try for summer signing, centre Rhys Peters. Lloyd Wilkins added the conversion.
Rumney outside half Regan Mahoney reduced arrears with a penalty five minutes later, but a Mike Dacey break set up Adam Williams to run in for a try after eleven minutes. Lloyd Wilkins’s conversion hit a post and rebounded to safety.
Rumney came back strongly but the Bedwas defence kept them out and during this period Rumney were denied a try as the referee deemed the ball was not grounded.
The pressure eventually paid as full back Cian Anderson crossed for a try converted by Mahoney.
Two Lloyd Wilkins penalties after 32 and 38minutes saw Bedwas going into the dressing room at half time 18 points to 10 ahead.
Bedwas got off to the perfect start in the second stanza as Lloyd Wilkins made a break from deep to cross in the left-hand corner, but he missed the ensuing the conversion.
With this match being played with a twenty-three man (Cup Competition rules) Bedwas made many changes as the half went on.
Rumney were only able to name three players on their replacements bench due to injuries but nevertheless they dominated the second half for long periods and asked lots of questions of the Bedwas defence. During this period Rumney had their second try of the day ruled out for being ‘held up’ but credit should be given to Rumney for their efforts and to Bedwas for repelling them.
With about five minutes to play Bedwas finally put the game out of reach with Will Fishlock running in for a try converted by Lloyd Wilkins.
Rumney had the last say just before the final whistle courtesy of a try by their captain Lewis Hill but the conversion drifted wide.
The Man of the Match award sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant was awarded to Lloyd Wilkins.
Next week Bedwas return to league action with an away fixture at newly promoted Ynysddu RFC.
Today’s match gallery is at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums/