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Bedwas have returned to winning ways with victory at Treorchy – ending a run of four consecutive defeats in the WRU National Championship East.

Bedwas scored five tries to secure a bonus-point 36-15 victory against the winless Zebras, despite having four players sin binned during the game.

The win sees Bedwas climb from second bottom up to ninth in the table after eight games played.

However, it was the hosts who drew first blood on a wet, windy afternoon in the Rhondda, with Callum Elward’s long-range penalty putting Treorchy 3-0 up after two minutes.

Bedwas responded with a try from Lloyd Wilkins two minutes later, with James Dixon adding the conversion.

Treorchy came back quickly and a smart kick-through under the posts saw Dixon tackle an advancing opponent without the ball. The hosts were awarded a penalty try and Dixon was sent to the sin bin.

Bedwas retook the lead after 15 minutes, with Hamish Anderson gathering his own chip kick over a Treorchy defender and raced over for a try. Wilkins converted.

Almost immediately Treorchy had a chance to reduce arrears after Bedwas were adjudged offside, but this time Elward’s penalty kick missed the target.

The remainder of the half remained scoreless and Bedwas went into the break 14-10 up.

Both sides changed their starting props at the start of the second half and this appeared to give Treorchy an advantage at the scrum, but it was Bedwas who notched the first points of the half with a Dixon penalty.

The lead was further extended when Wilkins scored his second try of the afternoon after 50 minutes. Dixon’s conversion put Bedwas 24-10 ahead.

Five minutes later Bedwas found themselves a man down once again when Adam Williams was yellow carded for an off-the-ball tackle, sparking a mini brawl.

Despite being a man down, Bedwas’ lead remained intact and no scores were registered during Williams’ absence.

After Williams’ return to the field, Bedwas’ Harry Oliver broke through for the side’s fourth try of the afternoon, securing a four-try bonus point for Bedwas.

With 15 minutes left to play, Lewis Bowden became the third Bedwas player sin binned, while Wilkins joined him shortly after following a knock-on.

Despite being down to just 13 men, Bedwas grabbed their fifth try of the afternoon. A storming 50-metre run by prop Ben Drew set up the supporting Dixon to cross for a try, which he converted himself. 36-10.

The hosts scored a late consolation try through replacement Matthew Evans but it wasn’t enough to stop Bedwas securing a much-needed victory.

Bedws return to action on Saturday November 25, when they welcome former coach Stefan Sankala back to the Bridgefield.

Sankala is now in charge of league leaders Ystrad Rhondda, who will pose a stern test for Patrick McGee’s side.

Match report by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC