Principality Welsh Premiership, Saturday March 30, 2013.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas threw away a 13 point half time lead as Bridgend deservedly took the spoils with a bonus point win leaving Bedwas with much work to do to secure second spot to gain home advantage in the play-offs.
The game did not start well for Bedwas with Bridgend wing Ashley Evans bursting through some weak tackling to score after only four minutes. Ethan Davies slotted a penalty to reduce arrears after nine minutes.
Stuart Thomas and Mathew John combined for a try for the former after 15 minutes, Davies adding the conversion from out wide. Lewis Robling added a penalty goal from two metres into his own half after 22 minutes to extend the lead.
Full back Jamie Murphy pulled a try back for the hosts three minutes later but he had an off day with the boot missing at 13 points off the floor in the first half alone. Scrum half Joshua Davies added a second try for Bedwas from a quickly taken penalty after 35 minutes, Ethan Davies adding the extras and a penalty to see Bedwas 23-10 up at the break.
Bridgend got straight back into the after the interval courtesy of a try by centre Nathan Edwards converted by Murphy who then added a penalty to reduce the arrears to three points. Davies added a penalty to see Bedwas to see Bedwas six points clear.
Bedwas huffed and puffed but tackles were missed and the side could not gain any momentum. Evans added his second try just before the hour before Lewis K Williams added a penalty to see his side 28-26 ahead. Bedwas indiscipline crept in and Mathew John was sin binned for not retreating 10 metres at a penalty with twelve minutes left.
Bridgend defended well to keep out Bedwas attacks which had impetus with fresh legs but despite mounting a last gasp raid Bedwas had to settle for a losing bonus point.
Bedwas will need to bounce back well at Swansea on Wednesday April 10, kick off 7.15pm before travelling to Llanelli on Saturday April 13 for what will be a key game.