Ebbw Vale 12-15 Bedwas
Saturday February 4, Eugene Cross Park
Bedwas got the second part of their Principality Premiership season off to the winning start they yearned as five penalties from Richard Powell saw off reigning champions Ebbw Vale.
A tremendous resilience from Bedwas also kept the home side at bay, as Ebbw dominated possession in the early stages. The Steelmen’s young outside-half Josh Lewis had an afternoon with the boot he’d want to forget, missing a kick which would set the tone.
Conversely, his opposite number, Richard Powell – whose first attempt at goal from around 40 metres sailed through the posts – was successful with every kick he took.
The heavy pitch and greasy ball made it tricky for both sides to carve any openings from running the ball. Ebbw continued to keep Bedwas on the back foot and after the half-hour mark opened the scoring from a driving maul as flanker Ronnie Kynes was bundled over the line. Lewis converted but there were a few puzzled looks from Bedwas supporters who thought the ball went wide.
Bedwas responded instantly and Powell gratefully accepted another penalty to reduce the deficit to a solitary point as the whistle blew for half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Ebbw dominated possession and territory, but it was Bedwas who took an eight-point lead thanks to Powell penalties on 44, 55 and 64 minutes.
On 68 minutes, Ebbw notched their second try as replacement back-rower Jack Goodey charged through to score. Lewis missed the conversion as questions remained as to whether Goodey had dropped the ball as he crossed the line.
With the scores balanced at 12-15, the Steelmen threw everything they could muster at Bedwas.
Wave after wave of attacks were repelled as the visitors dug in to maintain the slender lead.
The match was not without its tense moments, with Ebbw awarded a penalty for an alleged tip-tackle. Lewis was again off target with his attempt, and Bedwas remained in front.
With the clock running down, the home side were awarded another penalty and – rather than kick it to claim a draw – decided to run the ball to try and win the game but Bedwas held firm once again to clinch a vital win.
• Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.