Bedwas RFC 56 Brynmawr RFC 5.
WRU Admiral Championship (East), Saturday 19 April 2025.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas banished the memory of the two-point reverse at Brynmawr on the 14th of March to run out comfortable winners against opponents who stuck at it until the end.
On a mild, overcast afternoon Brynmawr had the first opportunity to score after Bedwas knocked the ball on from kick-off but were unable to capitalise on the error.
Three minutes later Bedwas struck, number 8 Dan Crimmins returning to play is first game in a Bedwas jersey since December 2018 crashed through for the opening try. Lloyd Wilkins added the conversion.
With the wind at their backs Bedwas increased their lead after eight minutes. Lloyd Wilkins kicked a 50-22 clearance to give Bedwas a line out just inside the Brynmawr 22 metre line and from a well-executed catch and drive manoeuvre hooker Mike Dacey was driven over. Wilkins added the conversion to bring up a personal tally of 301 points for the season; a tremendous achievement deserving of the all the accolades he can be given.
The Bedwas onslaught continued, and Adam Williams crossed in the corner for the third try with his renowned ability to shrug off would be tacklers to cross. Lloyd Wilkins added the conversion from a narrow angle.
The game then became a bit of wrestle as Brynmawr defended and Bedwas took their collective foots off the gas pedal and no further scores were added until just before the half time break. Lloyd Wilkins adding to his tally with a try he then converted. More importantly Bedwas had the four try bonus point in the bag.
Bedwas started the second half as they had ended the first. Brynmawr had no answer to quick hands across the field for Aaron Billingham to cross for a try improved upon by Wilkins.
Bedwas added their sixth try of the afternoon after thirteen minutes with a second try in the match from Lloyd Wilkins who dived in near the right-hand corner flag before adding the conversion.
With the game in the bag Bedwas could relax a little and no further scores were forthcoming before a dominant scrum earned Bedwas a penalty try with ten minutes left to play.
To their credit Brynmawr continued to battle away gaining a consolation try by replacement centre Nathan Preece with two minutes left to play. The conversion kick drifted wide.
Bedwas still had time for the last word as Number 8 Christian Francis (who had shared back row duties with Dan Crimmins powered through covering defence to touch down for try number eight. Lloyd Wilkins maintained his 100% kicking record on the day by adding the extras.
This result after Bedwas’s third game in seven days sees 138 points scored and only eleven conceded so the whole squad should be congratulated for their resilience.
Next Saturday is the eagerly anticipated fixture at Beddau RFC the result of which will probably decide the league winners. Nobody in the Bedwas camp will be taking anything for granted in what is expected to be a close, hard-fought fixture.
The Bedwas Man of the Match sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant of Caerphilly was awarded to Lloyd Wilkins.
This match was sponsored by the Ted Bovis Golf Society. We would like to thank them for their continued support and generosity.
Today’s image gallery is at: Bedwas RFC’s albums | Flickr
