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Neath 24-16 Bargoed

Title contenders Bargoed began their campaign in the WRU National Championship with a defeat at Neath.

The visitors started well with Steff Jones kicking a penalty after two minutes after good work from captain Kieron Brown in the contact area. 

Bargoed increased their lead with a clever chip and chase by Steff Jones, who put flanker Keaton Davies in. Jones also converted and Bargoed led 10-0. 

Bargoed looked threatening with ball in hand with Dylan Williams looking particularly dangerous in attack. Bargoed were awarded another penalty and Jones put this over and a short time later he kicked another penalty with Bargoed 16-0 up and in control.

However, the Welsh All Blacks responded well and started to put some phases together but Bargoed’s defence held firm until a couple of minutes before half-time, when Neath applied pressure on the Bargoed defence – which resulted in a series of penalties being awarded. 

Neath took advantage of a free play and a cross kick resulted in Ryan Griffiths scoring wide out and the conversion from Steff Williams saw Bargoed go in 16-7 up at half-time. 

The second half saw Neath claw back the deficit through their power game, with their driving lineout particularly effective. 

Bargoed defended heroically though with a huge tackle count but the pressure told as Bargoed’s penalty count increased. They conceded a series of penalties and there were yellow cards for both Owain Cooper and Keaton Davies.  

There were three second-half tries for Neath from Josh Clark, Jon Barley and Sion Crocker, all from close range. Neath scored their final try in the last minute to clinch a try bonus point in their 24-16 victory – denying Bargoed a losing bonus point in the process.

Bargoed will be looking to bounce back from this early setback in their next match, which will see them take on Caerphilly County Borough rivals Bedwas on Saturday, September 10.

Match report and images by Bargoed RFC and Phil Simmons