Bedwas scored late on to seal a 16-14 win away to Neath in the WRU Championship on Saturday, October 5.
Jordan Rees’ try in the dying moments of the game drew Bedwas level before James Hallett’s conversion sealed the win.
Bedwas have now won their first four league games of the season and sit second in the table.
Dion McIntosh opened the scoring for Bedwas with a penalty kick on a wet afternoon at the Gnoll.
The lead was doubled three minutes later when McIntosh scored another penalty, this time from long range.
Half way through the first half, the visitors were dealt a blow when back-rower Owen Jones was forced off with injury, to be replaced by second-rower Matthew Bovington.
But several minutes later, Bedwas increased their advantage again, with McIntosh scoring his third penalty of the game.
Soon after, Neath were reduced to 14 men when No8 Tomi Antozzi was sin binned. Referee Richard Deacy had judged Antozzi to be leading into a tackle with his elbow.
Bedwas failed to turn the man advantage into points during Antozzi’s time in the bin, which saw a lengthy break in play while Neath’s Matthew Pearce was treated for a head injury before being stretchered off the field.
In the second half, Neath had the brighter start but missed the chance to get on the scoreboard when Luke Griffiths missed two long range penalties.
Bedwas were soon reduced to 14 men when substitute Bovington was sin binned for foul play.
During Bovington’s ten minutes in the bin, Neath scored two converted tries in two minutes through replacements Jon Hill and Luke Griffiths, with the latter scoring both conversions.
Neath now had a 14-9 lead with 15 minutes left to play.
With their unbeaten start to the season now hanging in the balance, a tiring Bedwas side battled with a resolute Neath defence as they attempted to salvage something from the game.
With the clock ticking, the ball was passed out wide to winger Rees, who managed to squeeze in for a try in the corner to draw the sides level.
The win was secured when Hallett executed a perfect touchline conversion to extend Bedwas’ winning run.
Bedwas return to the Bridgefield on Saturday, October 12 when they host Narberth, who will be going into the game off the back of a 50-8 home defeat to league leaders Pontypool.
Report and imagery courtesy of Ian Lovell.