Bedwas have been knocked out of the WRU Cup by the reigning Welsh champions in their first game for four weeks.
Bedwas suffered a 24-17 defeat away to Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday, November 9.
Stefan Sankala’s side last took to the field in a 38-13 league win over Narberth on October 12.
The hosts took the lead after three minutes when No8 Andrew Murphy scored a try, which was converted by fullback Josh Martin.
In the ninth minute, Bedwas equalised through a penalty try.
As a result of the penalty try, Merthyr second-row Hemi Barnes was sin binned for foul play, reducing the hosts to 14 men.
However, Bedwas were unable to take advantage of the sending off, and instead found themselves 10-7 behind after Martin scored a penalty.
But Bedwas drew level before the half-time break through a Dion McIntosh penalty kick from 40 metres out.
Merthyr’s lead was restored in the second half, when the visitors were driven off a scrum and flanker Morgan Kneath picked up on a loose ball to cross the line and score.
Martin was on target yet again to give the reigning Principality Premiership champions a 17-10 advantage.
But Merthyr were soon down to 14 men again, with centre Adam Thomas being shown a yellow card for a ruck offence after a period of Bedwas pressure.
But again it was Merthyr who put points on the board, securing a penalty try on the hour mark.
Now two tries behind, Bedwas continued to fight on but were thwarted by a resilient home defence.
Bedwas reduced the deficit with a Craig Hudd try deep into stoppage time.
McIntosh scored the conversion but to draw Bedwas to within seven points, but Merthyr held on to march into the next round of the cup.
Bedwas return to action on Saturday, November 16 with an away trip to Tata Steel at 2.30pm.