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For the second year in a row, Bedwas Barbarians have been crowned league champions with a 34-19 win over Newport HSOB Expendables.

The Barbarians came into the match on Saturday April 20 knowing a bonus point win would be enough to see them lift the Dragons Athletic League Trophy once again.

Report

The game kicked-off with a few changes from the last time the pair met, with Newport threatening the Barbarians from minute one.

It was Bedwas who struck first however, Harvey Stroud picked-up the ball on the halfway line and skipped past a few before scoring. Owen Thomas converted.

Newport answered straight back however with a converted try of their own, before fullback Saul Down helped Bedwas retake the lead with a try. 14-7.

The Barbarians were under pressure for the remainder of the half, but couldn’t make it to the whistle before Newport scored and converted a try to make it all square at the break.

Bedwas made three changes at the break, with the message being to up the tempo and stay disciplined.

The players seemed to take that advice, and shortly after the restart flanker Logan Hughes scored a try for Bedwas. The kick was missed however.

The Barbarians moved into top gear following the try, and it wasn’t long before they had another; Alex Kawulok this time, with the all important bonus point try.

Three more points were tacked-on by Thomas to make things even more comfortable.

With time ticking-on, Bedwas scored another, this time a penalty try.

Newport did score a late consolation, but a last kick by Thomas made sure Bedwas had the last laugh. The final whistle went to huge cheers from the Bedwas bench.

The Barbarians have another huge game on Saturday April 27, when they host Blackwood Griffins for a chance to reach the Dragons Athletic Cup final.