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Ystrad Rhondda 38-5 Bedwas, WRU National Championship

Bedwas suffered a heavy defeat as they returned to action following the Christmas break.

Facing a mid-table Ystrad Rhondda side away from home on Saturday, January 7, Bedwas were outscored six tries to one to get 2023 off to the worst possible start.

Bedwas were dealt a blow before the game even kicked off, with Hamish Anderson pulling a hamstring in the warm-up, to be replaced by outside-half James S Dixon – who had only re-signed for the club within the 24 hours before kick-off.

The visitors started well and could have taken an early lead, but Lloyd Wilkins’ penalty attempt drifted wide.

It was all downhill from there, with Ystrad Rhondda taking the lead minutes into the game through inside centre Cobi Green, who drifted through a disorganised defence for a try – Jacob Symes adding the extras from the kicking tee.

It got worse for Bedwas two minutes later, with a kick out wide collected by Alex Webber, who crossed over for the hosts’ second try of the afternoon, which was again converted by Symes.

Bedwas faced another blow soon after, with flanker Rhys Jones forced off after suffering a knock to the head. He was replaced by youngster Dewi Thomas, who made his first team debut following a strong season with the club’s second side.

Heavy rain followed as both sides slugged it out in the mud before the home side increased their lead with hooker Liam Wiggins being driven over for a try, which went unconverted.

The hosts now led 19-0.

While Bedwas made changes to try and turn the game around, the solid home defence was in no mood to concede any points.

Instead, the lead was increased around the hour mark, with Webber crossing for his second try of the afternoon – sealing the four-try bonus-point – as substitute Rhys Trulove converted for two extra points.

Green soon extended the lead further with his second try of the game, again converted by Trulove to pile on the agony for Bedwas.

But the home side were not finished. With five minutes left to play, replacement Rhys Dauncey added his side’s sixth and final try of the afternoon, this time unconverted.

Bedwas had the last word on the last play of the day, with Lewis Bowden being driven over for a try out – but the conversion attempt failed to hit the target.

The defeat leaves Bedwas languishing in eighth place in the 14-team division after ten games played.

Bedwas will face Ystrad Rhondda away from home again in a fortnight’s time in the WRU Championship Cup, but before that the club travels to Glamorgan Wanderers for a league fixture on Saturday, January 14.

Match report and imagery courtesy of Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC