Bedwas RFC made a return to winning ways after tries from Aled Evans and Owain Keane sealed a 21-16 victory over Ystrad Rhondda on Saturday, March 7.

The WRU National Championship clash was Bedwas’ first game back at their Bridgefield ground since it was flooded during Storm Dennis.

Ystrad Rhondda kept it close thanks to a late try from Jarrad Llewellyn but could only take a losing bonus-point from the match.

The home side broke the deadlock early when Keane hacked through a loose ball towards the line, winning the foot race with the defence to score the first try of the afternoon, with James Hallett adding the extras.

Hallett extended the gap with a penalty to give Bedwas a cushion that was soon erased by fullback Corey Shepherd, who added three points of his own to put Ystrad Rhondda on the board.

A second Hallet penalty before the break gave Bedwas a ten-point gap at the interval, with both defences standing strong amidst several breakdown errors.

A missed penalty from Shepherd near the halfway line and a high tackle from Llewellyn proved costly after the restart, as the flanker was sent to the sin-bin, reducing the visitors to 14 men.

Two Ystrad penalties, both from the boot of Shepherd, cut the deficit to just four points but another three points from Hallett and a strong-forwards push allowed Evans to score and keep Bedwas at arms-length.

A late flurry saw Llewellyn score in the corner with Shepherd converting from the tee for a losing bonus point.

The win takes Bedwas back into third place behind Pontypool and Bargoed.

Next up for Bedwas is the visit of Trebanos on at 7.30pm Wednesday, March 11.

Match report provided by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.

• To make a donation towards repairs to Bedwas RFC’s Bridgefield ground and clubhouse, visit obv.sr/besd