Merthyr RFC 38 Bedwas RFC 5.
WRU Admiral Premiership, Saturday 24th October 2026.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Plucky Bedwas slipped to their heaviest defeat of the season as a strong Merthyr side emphasised why they are currently unbeaten at the summit of the Division.
On a wet day with the wind increasing in strength as the game progressed Bedwas started brightly but could not turn possession into points.
Merthyr took the lead after twelve minutes after sustained pressure hooker Evan Wood earning the plaudits, outside half Jacob Lloyd could not convert.
Bedwas lost full back Tristan Kugler with a head injury, Jak Crompton taking over.
Merthyr continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, but Bedwas worked hard to keep them out but with half an hour played prop forward Travis Hawkins burrowed over from close range, Lloyd this time successfully added the extras.
No further scores were added before half time despite Merthyr being a man down as skipper Paddy McBride was sinbinned.
Bedwas made numerous changes at the start of the half but with conditions deteriorating as the half progressed, Merthyr added to their tally through backrower Cerith Lloyd. Jacob Lloyd missed the conversion.
Midway through the half Merthyr ran in their bonus point earning fourth try, both try and conversion claimed by Jacob Lloyd.
Bedwas did not give up but the home side’s superiority continued with Jacob Lloyd gathering his own kick through to cross for a try, he was unsuccessful with his conversion.
Bedwas finally gained reward for their efforts after thirty-one minutes. The forwards pressed hard before the ball was spread across the backline for Connor Milsom to cross in the left-hand corner. James Dixon could not add the extras.
Merthyr had the last say two minutes later with replacement hooker Ryan Hughes crossing. Inside centre Ioan Evans took over kicking duties, but his kick drifted wide.
Bedwas will be looking to bounce back next Saturday when Bargoed RFC visit the Bridgefield for what is expected to be another tough game against another side unbeaten this season. Kick-off is at 2-30pm
Today’s match gallery is at https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums
