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Neath 37-7 Bedwas, WRU National Championship
Bedwas were well beaten by a dominant Neath side on a sunny, mild afternoon at the Gnoll.
The early stages of the game were evenly contested as both sides looked for an opening. It was the home side who were first on the scoreboard courtesy of a penalty goal from outside-half Steff Williams after Bedwas were penalised at a ruck.
After just ten minutes, a run made to a ball kicked through the Bedwas defence by Neath captain, and former Bedwas player, Ryan Evans, was rewarded with a try. Williams added the extras.
On the few occasions Bedwas found their way into the home half they were kept at bay by the home defence.
Evans added his second of the day with five minutes of the half to play – this time unconverted. Neath increased their lead with the last play of the first half as winger Ryan Griffiths ran through for a try under the sticks, Williams added the conversion followed immediately by the referee’s whistle signalling half time.
Much like the first half, Neath soaked up all of the Bedwas pressure. A glimmer of hope occurred around the 52nd minute as Neath’s former Wales international Aled Brew was sin-binned for a no arms tackle.
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The visitors tried to get into the game and came close when Rhys Morgans was held up over the tryline.
Neath were next to score as hooker Josh Clark crossed to earn them a bonus point for four tries. Williams’s conversion attempt went wide.
There was no further scoring until the 74th minute as Neath winger Ryan Griffiths was on the end of a cross field passing sequence that ended in a try, Williams’s conversion kick went wide again.
With two minutes left to play, Neath No8 Morgan Kneath completed the try scoring for the home side; Williams’s conversion kick hitting the post and rebounding to safety.
Bedwas scored a consolation try in the dying seconds. A break down the right by Sam George put in the supporting Lloyd Wilkins for a try he also converted. The referee immediately ending play with a shrill blast of the whistle.
Neath come out on top after a dominating display, 37-7.
Next Saturday, Bedwas welcome Narberth RFC to the Bridgefield as they look to immediately return to winning ways.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
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