Bedwas extend winning streak to nine games with victory at Newbridge

Bedwas’ winning streak has been extended to nine games following their Caerphilly County Borough derby win at Newbridge.

The visitors came away with a 19-16 win in a closely-fought WRU National Championship East clash on Saturday February 17.

The pitch was in a good condition considering recent wet weather, but rain in the second-half made things difficult for both sides.

After four weeks of inactivity, it took time for both sides to build any rhythm. Bedwas missed the chance to open the scoring three times early on – opting to go to touch rather than take kickable penalties.

It was the hosts who drew first blood, courtesy of a Robbie Turley penalty kick after 17 minutes.

Both sides slugged it out before Newbridge increased their lead with a try out wide by centre Josh Thomas, which was converted by Turley.

With the half coming towards its end, Bedwas scored their first points of the match when Lewis David crossed for a try, converted by James Dixon.

However, Newbridge extended their lead before the break with a Turley penalty – giving the hosts a 13-7 lead.

But it didn’t take long for Bedwas to get on the scoreboard in the second-half. Max Rivers beat a couple of defenders to dive in for a try out wide.

Newbridge remained ahead as Dixon’s conversion attempt drifted wide, but the lead would soon change hands.

Bedwas went ahead for the first time in the game when Dale Rogers was set up for a close-range try. Dixon converted to give the visitors a 19-13 lead.

Newbridge’s Turley missed a long-range penalty – but Bedwas were penalised at the restart and Turley made no mistake from the kicking tee, cutting the deficit to three points.

Bedwas’ Harry Oliver was sin-binned shortly afterwards for an alleged high tackle, but Bedwas held out all attempts from the hosts to retake the lead.

The visitors kicked a late penalty attempt into touch to clinch the victory.

Bedwas face another Caerphilly County Borough opponent in their next game – taking on Cross Keys at Pandy Park on Friday February 23, with kick-off at 7.30pm.

Newbridge also take on a fellow-borough side in their next game – travelling to Bargoed on Saturday March 2.

Match report courtesy of Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC