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Bedwas 34-3 Ystalyfera, WRU National Championship

Bedwas returned to winning ways on Saturday, October 29 in a home victory over Ystalyfera.

Bedwas scored five tries as they secured a bonus-point win at the Bridgefield to bounce back from the previous weekend’s defeat at Maesteg Harlequins.

Ystalyfera meanwhile went into the game having lost their previous fixture to Bargoed.

The hosts missed the chance to open the scoring in the fourth minute, with Gareth Jones’ penalty attempt off-target. However, Lloyd Wilkins was accurate with his penalty attempt four minutes later – putting Bedwas ahead.

Jacob Wright crossed for Bedwas halfway through the half, but the conversion attempt unsuccessful, giving the hosts an 8-0 lead.

Ystalyfera’s Sam Conley missed with a penalty attempt after 28 minutes but with half time approaching, Aaron Billingham crossed to increase Bedwas’ lead, but again the conversion attempt was off target.

But Conley made no mistake as he registered Ystalyfera’s first points of the game from the kicking tee before the break, with Bedwas going in with a 13-3 advantage.

Soon after the players returned to the field for the second half, Dan Hill scored Bedwas’ third try of the game, which was converted by Lloyd Wilkins.

Bedwas bought on Iwan Burgwin at fullback and moved James Hallett to fly-half to replace Wilkins. Shortly afterwards Lewis Bowden crossed for Bedwas’ fourth try – sealing the bonus point as Hallett added the extras.

Tensions flared later on and after a long lecture from referee John Darcy, Bedwas; Matthew Bovington and visiting hooker Glenn Owens were sent off.

Bedwas replacement Burgwin wrapped up proceedings by scoring a try three minutes before the end of the match. Hallet’s conversion sealed the 34-3 win.

The result sees Bedwas move up to sixth in the league table with four wins and three defeats after seven games.

Bedwas return to league action on Saturday, November 12, when they make the short trip to Pandy Park to face Crosskeys.

Over the coming weeks, Bedwas’ clubhouse will be showing the Autumn Internationals, including Wales’ clash with New Zealand on Saturday, November 5, with all welcome to attend.

Match report and imagery courtesy of Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC