Seven Bedwas tries were enough to see off Bridgend in the Principality Welsh Premiership on Saturday, February 24, and round-off a successful week for the Bridgefield side, racking up three wins with 19 tries scored.
A total of 121 points scored with just 34 conceded in two league matches and now victory in the cup has seen Bedwas through to the quarter final of the WRU National Cup with a home tie against Newport.
Bedwas got off to a good start with Mike Hathaway going over wide for an unconverted try.
Sustained Bedwas forward pressure led to the second try as Bridgend winger Aaron Grabham was shown a yellow card for a knock on. Craig Hudd gratefully accepted the loose ball for the try.
Despite being a man down, the Bridgend backs showed real tenacity to pull back a try through full back Joseph Scrivens and Ryan Evans added the two point extras.
Bedwas’ third try after 27 minutes by Tom Rowlands increased the home side’s lead further. But while Bedwas had chances to increase their lead the final pass often went astray.
Within 60 seconds of the second half Bedwas ran in their fourth try, also netting a bonus point. Pat Lewis got on the end of a sweeping move to claim his first try for the club since returning from Cardiff.
Bedwas were dominant at this stage and should have increased the lead. But on at least three occasions the final pass was inaccurate and try-scoring chances went begging.
Matthew John increased the Bedwas lead on the hour mark after Rowlands took a quick tap penalty and with the visiting defence in disarray was able to put in a deft cross-field kick for John to cross for a nicely taken try.
John added his second try seven minutes later after a break down the middle by Mike Callow put him in space to dot down the home side’s sixth try of the afternoon.
Bridgend pulled a try back after 73 minutes via second row Kieran Martin and with Evans’ second conversion of the afternoon reduced the arrears.
But that was as good as it got for the visitors.
Bedwas came close to adding to their tally but Craig Hudd’s effort was ruled out for a forward pass.
Their patience was rewarded after 79 minutes as second row Gareth Allen capped off a good afternoon’s shift with his first try for Bedwas.
Bedwas’ Gareth Allen deserved his Casa Mia Restaurant, Caerphilly, man-of-the-match award.
Saturday, March 3, sees Bedwas host Newport in the quarter-final of the WRU National Cup. Kick-off 2.30pm.
• Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.