Bedwas earned a bonus-point win over Swansea in their final game of the season on Saturday, May 4, but their Principality Premiership status still hangs in the balance.
Llanelli’s 57-13 win over Neath means Bedwas cannot avoid relegation without having to play Welsh Championship winners Pontypool in a play-off.
Meanwhile, Bridgend, who sit one place behind Bedwas, were beaten 27-20 away to Aberavon.
But if Bridgend get a result against fourth-place Pontypridd in their final game of the season next week, Bedwas will finish in 13th place and play their rugby in the second tier next season.
On a sunny spring afternoon at the Bridgefield, Swansea started the game the stronger of the two sides.
The visitors opened up the Bedwas defence as winger Tom Williams ran in to score the first try of the game after three minutes.
However, the score stayed at 5-0 as Steff Williams missed the conversion from out wide.
Bedwas then took the lead in the 13th minute when fullback Tom Benjamin sprinted to the try line to open Bedwas’ account. Joseph Scrivens added two extra points from the kicking tee.
In the 21st minute, Bedwas extended their lead after they were awarded a penalty try by referee Elgan Williams.
Swansea closed the gap to just six points through a Steff Williams penalty in the 28th minute.
But Bedwas stretched their lead when Scrivens danced around a few defenders before picking out scrum-half Luke Crane, who scored Bedwas’ third try.
Scrivens then converted the try he set up to give Bedwas a 21-8 lead going into half-time.
However, Swansea clawed their way back into the game at the start of the second half when winger Ryan Griffiths crossed over for his side’s second try.
But Steff Williams missed another conversion, meaning Bedwas were still eight points ahead.
Swansea continued to put pressure on their hosts and were awarded a penalty try in the 62nd minute when the Bedwas pack were penalised for a scrum offence.
The All Whites then took the lead through Tom Williams’ second try of the game. Steff Williams missed the conversion again but Swansea were now leading 25-21.
With ten minutes left to play and defeat guaranteeing relegation, Bedwas battled back and retook the lead when Adam Williams broke through two defenders to reach out and touch down on the try line for Bedwas’ fourth try.
Scrivens’ conversion attempt sailed between the posts to give his team a slender three-point lead.
Bedwas dug in deep for the remainder of the game to see out a vital win.
Bedwas Fans and players alike celebrated as news came through that Aberavon had scored a late winner against Bridgend.
With Bedwas’ season now over, all eyes will be on Bridgend as they travel to Pontypridd. The Ravens are one point behind Bedwas and will overtake them in the table if they get anything from their last game.
Report and imagery courtesy of Ian Lovell.