Bedwas RFC 24 Cross Keys RFC 33.
WRU Admiral Championship (East), Saturday 30th March 2024.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Cross Keys overturned a seven-point half time deficit to claim the bragging rights in a keenly contested derby match at the Bridge Field.
On a sunny, dry Easter Saturday afternoon Bedwas had the first opportunity for points after Keys were adjudged offside but Dixon was off target with his penalty shot.
Both sides looked for an opening, but it was Bedwas who claimed the first score as the ball was moved across field and Rhys Hutcherson found the space to cross for a try. James Dixon added the extras.
Keys struck back five minutes following a period of possession open side flanker Sam Taylor crashed over from close range, Adam Tetley’s conversion tied the scores.
Their joy was short-lived as Bedwas created space on the left-hand side and scrum half Jak Robbins ran in unopposed from deep for a try, improved upon by Dixon’s successful conversion.
Dixon added a penalty goal after 38 minutes, but Keys’ Tetley added a penalty with the last kick of the half to close the gap to seven points.
Eight minutes into the second stanza Tetley added a penalty but second row Josh Wall was sinbinned two minutes later for a ruck offence.
Bedwas tried to turn the screw and despite Keys conceding four penalties close to their line no further sanctions were forthcoming and despite an extra man in the scrum Bedwas could not add further points following inaccurate passes when there were opportunities to score.
Just past the halfway point of the half Keys edged ahead for the first time in the contest courtesy of a penalty from the halfway line.
Keys improved their lead with ten minutes left to play as centre Tom Sullivan ran through for a try improved upon by Tetley.
With five minutes left to play Tetley added a further penalty before Keys replacement prop Richard Cornock was sinbinned.
However, it was Keys who scored next as replacement scrum-half Dan Babos ran through for a try, converted by Tetley to put the game beyond Bedwas.
There was still time for Bedwas to have the last say as replacement hooker Lewis Crane was driven over for a try converted by James Dixon but there was insufficient time left for any further scores.
Bedwas RFC would like to thank Mark Lewis and the Ted Bovis Golf Society for their sponsorship of today’s game.
The Bedwas Man of the Match sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant of Caerphilly was awarded to Rhys Morgans.
Next Saturday (6th April) Bedwas travel to Minster Road, Roath for what is now an important league fixture against St Peters RFC, kick off 2-30pm.
Today’s match gallery is at: Bedwas RFC’s albums | Flickr