Bridgend 26-20 Bedwas
Saturday October 8, Bridgend
Bedwas’ four match winning run came to an end at the Brewery Field, as Bridgend tore up the form book to emerge as deserved winners in their Principality Premiership clash on Saturday October 8.
An early Joseph Scrivens penalty set the tone, as Bridgend starved Bedwas of possession from the first whistle.
The hosts had their first try through full-back Marc Bennett-Jones after just seven minutes, and were 10-0 up as Scrivens slotted the resulting conversion.
Bedwas were unable to get any momentum going as Bridgend further turned the screw. Prop Matthew Pettit was sin-binned for an offence in the lineout, but Bedwas’ remaining 14 men dug deep in defence amid huge pressure from the home side.
The resilience in defence translated to attack, as the visitors finally found some rhythm. A tackle-busting break by back-rower Robson Blake put James Dixon through to touch down under the posts. Captain Richard Powell added the conversion, and drew the scores level with a penalty with half-time approaching to give Bedwas supporters something to cheer about.
Two quick pieces of action punctured a slow start to the second half.
Scrivens put his side ahead with another penalty, before Bedwas took the lead for the first time through Connor Edwards after good work by Dan Crimmins sent the centre through for a try.
However, Scrivens replied immediately from the tee to reduce the deficit to one point at 16-17.
Bridgend were the beneficiaries of a lack of composure from their opponents as a flowing attacking move from Bedwas was cut short. Winger Andy Evans knocked the ball on straight into the hands of Bridgend centre Joe Gatt, who sprinted 70 metres to touch down at the other end of the pitch. Scrivens ensured his 100% kicking record continued with a simple conversion, before slotting a late penalty to take his side nine points ahead.
In the dying moments, fly-half Powell rescued the losing bonus point for Bedwas, who could have snatched victory in stoppage time were it not for a poor kick to relinquish possession.
Bedwas next face Newport in their Pool C Challenge Cup match on Wednesday October 12.
• Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.