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Bargoed 45-17 Bedwas, WRU National Championship, Tuesday April 25

Bargoed earned Caerphilly County Borough bragging rights after a convincing derby win over Bedwas.

Bargoed scored seven tries to Bedwas’ three to earn a bonus-point victory at Bargoed Park to keep the pressure on league leaders Pontypool and second-place Neath.

The Bulls opened the scoring with just a minute played, when fullback Dylan Williams crossed over for an unconverted try.

The lead increased after 14 minutes when scrum-half James Leadbeater crossed the try-line, with his effort converted by Steffan Jones.

Four minutes later, Dai Evans bagged Bargoed’s third try, but Jones was unsuccessful with the kick.

The bonus-point was sealed by Duane Dyer, who crossed over for Bargoed’s fourth following a scrum penalty, with Jones scoring the conversion.

After 30 minutes, No8 Corey Thomas was driven over for a try from close-range, with Jones converting to give Bargoed a hefty 31-0 lead at the break.

Despite the deficit, Bedwas started the second half positively and opened their account for the evening when Dewi Thomas scored his first ever try for Bedwas’ first team. James Dixon converted.

Nine minutes later, Bedwas were back among the scoring again when Tommy Chapman forced his way over following a catch and drive line-out – but Dixon was unable to add the two extra points from the kicking tee.

But the hosts hit back almost immediately as a kick through and chase saw fullback Williams score his second try of the match, which was converted by Jones to give Bargoed a 38-12 advantage.

Bedwas continued to push hard and with around 20 minutes remaining, Liam Jenkins ran through for Bedwas’ third try. While it went unconverted, Bedwas were just one try away from earning a four-try bonus-point of their own.

But it was not to be for Bedwas, with the next score coming from Bargoed’s Dai Evans, who grabbed his second try of the game, converted by Jones.

Bedwas continued to press hard as Bargoed found themselves down to 14 men when fly-half Matthew Lewis was sent to the sin bin – but Bargoed held firm and kept Bedwas out.

Match report and imagery courtesy of Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC