Massive congratulations to our second team Bedwas Athletic who last night were victorious over Ynysddu Rats by twenty four points to ten. This completes a third successive season where the side has completed a League and League Cup double, a magnificent achievement.
Bedwas Athletic 24 Ynysddu Rats 10
Dragons Athletic League Cup, Tuesday 13 May 2025.
Match report by Dean Picton, photography by Angela Brideaux
Newly crowned Dragon League Champions, Bedwas Athletic travelled to Rodney Parade, Newport to meet their rivals, Ynysddu Rats who they had already lost to this season in the league.
Bedwas had a point to prove and had the majority of their squad to choose from minus their star ‘try scoring’ prop, Jevon Knowles who got injured against Gwernyfed, but thankfully not too serious. We wish him well.
Two hours before kick-off the weather was not good as dark clouds descended over Bedwas, hopefully not an omen for the team!
We arrived at Newport and the sun started to shine, a definite positive for the Athletic in which they grabbed with both hands.
The match kicked off and both teams did some big hits in the early period. The physicality was immense and Bedwas started to dominate with great lineout work from Harri Rees supported by Lucas Weeks and captain Dewi Thomas.
The scrum was “Rock Solid” with Aled Morgan, Owain Brideaux and Iwan Cross at the helm. The back row led by example with two teenagers, Sam Graves and Harvey Picton playing 6 and 7 running riot with Captain and talisman Dewi Thomas at the base. Ynysddu did not know what hit them as they were driven back by fantastic tackling and sheer bulk/ intensity.
Fly half Owen Thomas was on his ‘A” game by orchestrating tactics with exciting centres, Iestyn Jones and Tyler Picton. Bedwas were six points up within fifteen minutes following two penalties by Thomas. Bedwas moved up a gear by bullying Ynysddu’s forwards on their line, to see in form second row, Harri Rees over for a try.
The advantage went to Bedwas after a yellow card was given to Ynysddu and they took it. Bedwas forced mistakes on Ynysddu and were rewarded by penalty after penalty which were slotted home by Owen Thomas.
Changes to Bedwas forced them into overdrive with the inclusion of Cameron Cross and Julian Persey. Ynysddu came back at Bedwas and forced them to defend like gladiators, but they held out.
A great passage of forward play with the combination of backs got Bedwas within five metres. A break by Iwan Cross saw Julian Persey scoring his maiden try. Harvey Picton and Ben Davis got yellow cards at different intervals for foul play but the Athletic held on.
By now, Bedwas were up to 24-0 and coasting and most of the bench were used.
Ynysddu did not give up by scoring two late tries. The final whistle went, and the black and white players hugged each other with joy of knowing they were three years running League Champions and League Cup Champions.
Coaches, Dean Picton, Liam Lintern and Malcolm Locke were very happy fellas…their smiles said it all!!!
Man of the Match was awarded to Owen Thomas.
Thank you to Angela Brideaux for the images.
