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Bedwas Barbarians have beaten Chepstow Druids 45-17 to win the Dragons Athletic Cup and secure a double.
The side, which is Bedwas RFC’s second team, had already won the Dragons Athletic League winners cup this season.
On a hot day in Caldicot, the Barbarians opened the scoring early on through Tristan Kugler, with Tyler Picton’s conversion going narrowly wide.
Shortly after, Alex Kawulok grabbed Bedwas’ second try, with Picton adding the extras to give the Barbarians a 12-0 lead.
As the Barbarians’ lead grew, so did their confidence. A third try soon followed, with Jack Stingemore crossing the line after showing his pace, with Picton converting.
However, ill-discipline struck as Bedwas’ Ryan Butcher was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes – with Chepstow capitalising with a converted try.
They could only manage the one try however, with Butcher returning to the field ahead of the half-time whistle.
A final push of the first half from the Barbarians found space for Harvey Stroud, who scored beneath the sticks to extend the lead. Again, Picton found the target to add the extras before the interval.
The sides returned to the field for the second half with victory in sight for Bedwas.
The Druids came out very physical in attack, prompting a strong Bedwas defence, which managed to turnover the ball.
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Soon after, replacement fullback Kyle Jackson found Stingemore out wide, who darted in for his second try of the afternoon. Picton converted to put the Barbarians 33-7 ahead.
As victory grew ever-nearer, Bedwas brought on a raft of fresh legs to keep their momentum going.
Their advantage looked as it had been extended once more when scrum-half Morgan Jones set up Tyler Pesci-Griffiths through unopposed before the pass was judged forward.
A strong scrummage saw Bedwas win the ball back instantly, with a quick ball finding its way to the backs.
Picton found flanker Logan Hughes, who dabbed down under the posts. The conversion, again from Picton, sent Bedwas 40-7 up.
Replacement wing Will Jones wrapped up Bedwas’ scoring after beating his man and touching down for his side’s final try of the game, which went unconverted.
A resilient Chepstow side didn’t give up, despite the 38-point deficit with just 15 minutes remaining.
The Druids scored their second try of the game in the right hand corner, but the conversion attempt was missed.
The scoring was completed when Chepstow scored their third try of the game after some late errors from Bedwas’ defensive line, but again the conversion was missed.
The Barbarians’ final game of the season comes against Newbridge’s first XV in the Ben Francis Cup final in Blackwood on Wednesday May 24. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
Match report courtesy of Tyler Pesci-Griffiths of Bedwas RFC
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