Bedwas RFC 29 Newport RFC 28
Bedwas won a narrow victory over Newport with a try in the final minute to record a third successive win and moved up to fifth in the Principality Welsh Premiership table.
On a wet evening Bedwas got the perfect start against Newport on May 1. Gaining possession from the kick-off the ball was moved through the hands and Adam Williams powered through a gap to score a converted try after just 35 seconds.
Newport’s woes continued with full-back Cyle Powell leaving the field with blood pouring from his nose.
Blood replacement Chay Smith quickly made his mark as he ran past a static Bedwas defence from the half-way line to cross in the corner. Matt O’Brien added the conversion to tie the scores.
The home side’s indiscipline saw O’Brien add two penalties and right-wing Harri Lane increased Newport’s lead with a well taken converted try.
Williams added his second try after 24 minutes with a fine solo effort.
Strong running by Matthew John and quick hands from Andrew Waite and Rhys Hutcherson set up second row Adam Dove to power over for a try leaving Bedwas trailing by a single point at the close of the first half.
Tom Lucas’ unconverted try put Newport back in front, but a catch and drive from a lineout saw Bedwas narrow the gap to a single point with just 20 minutes left to play.
Replacement Simon Veall notched a penalty for Newport to put them in the box seat and leave the Bedwas faithful staring at defeat.
The visitor’s defence coped with everything thrown at them, but in the final minute James Richards pounced on a defensive error to score to give Bedwas victory by a single point.
Man-of-the match was Adam Williams.
Bedwas play away to Ebbw Vale on Sunday May 6 – kick-off 2.30pm.
- Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC