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Maesteg Harlequins 9-3 Bedwas, WRU National Championship

Just a week after they were dumped out of the cup by by Bedwas, Maesteg Harlequins got their revenge in the WRU National Championship as Bedwas fell to a 9-3 defeat.

Despite overturning a 15-point deficit in their comeback win away from home on October 15, Bedwas were unable to muster up something similar against the same opponents on the same field this time round.

Heavy rain showers contributed to a greasy pitch which made it difficult for both sides.

Lloyd Wilkins had the first opportunity to put Bedwas on the scoreboard, but his penalty attempt went just wide. Maesteg’s Owen Howe had a similar opportunity eight minutes later, but his shot similarly fell wide.

Maesteg were dominant in the scrum throughout and it was from a scrum penalty they took the lead after 32 minutes, with Owen Howe gratefully taking the three points. A second penalty from a scrum after 38 minutes was again kicked successfully by Howe to see his side six points ahead at the break.

The second half started much the same. Howe kicked another penalty from just inside the Bedwas half following another Bedwas scrum offence, giving the Quins a 9-0 lead.

Bedwas attempts to get on the scoreboard continued to slip away as a combination of mistakes and good defence saw scoring opportunities at a premium.

Lloyd Wilkins reduced the arrears with a penalty after 55 minutes, which would give Bedwas a bonus-point for a losing margin of less than seven points. Bedwas brought on fresh legs, but Maesteg held firm for the remainder of the game.

Bedwas frustrations grew and a yellow card for Harry Oliver for a late challenge on Howe with time almost elapsed capped a miserable afternoon for Stefan Sankala’s men.

Bedwas will be hoping to return to winning ways when they take on Ystalyfera at the Bridgefield on Saturday, October 29.

Match report and imagery courtesy of Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC