Swalec Cup Round 1, Saturday 11 January 2014.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas took the honours by the smallest of margins against a Bargoed side that never gave up and deserve a great deal of credit.
Bargoed started well and a great break saw Phil Price cross for a try but Bargoed was unable to add the conversion.
Bedwas stepped up a gear and two Richard Powell penalty goals put Bedwas ahead for the first time. As Bedwas stepped up the ante the home side looked like buckling under the pressure but they proved they were made of sterner stuff as they defended well.
Three minutes before half time a break down the right saw the ball switched back into the middle to the waiting Kyle Maiden who strolled over for a try under the sticks, Powell making no mistake with the conversion.
Bedwas were seemingly well in control as the clock ticked down towards the interval but a wild pass in defence was swallowed up by Prosser who crossed for a try he converted himself.
The second half became a war of attrition on the heavy pitch. Prosser put his side one point ahead from a penalty goal before Powell added his third penalty of the afternoon to put Bedwas back ahead on the hour. Both sides bought on fresh legs as they vied for that match winning score.
Bargoed continued to dominate territory but couldn’t find a way through the Bedwas defence. With less than five minutes remaining Prosser had a long range penalty chance to take the spoils but his kick fell short and Bedwas held out for a welcome win.
Bedwas’s reward is a home tie versus Cross Keys on Saturday 15 February 2014.