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Bedwas 38-29 Bridgend Athletic
Bedwas held on to claim the silverware in a hard-fought game at the Principality Stadium, with credit due to a Bridgend side that kept going to the final whistle in a ‘never say die’ performance.
Under the closed roof of the Principality Stadium, both sides began cagily but it was Athletic who opened the scoring after thirteen minutes through winger McKenzie Grey. Scrum-half Evan D’Adamo missed the conversion.
Bedwas responded four minutes later as Tristan Kugler ran through the Athletic defence deep in his own half and passed to Aaron Billingham, who sprinted through to cross in the corner. James Dixon successfully added the extras.
Bridgend regained the lead five minutes later courtesy of a D’Adamo penalty but again the response from Bedwas was quick, with Mike Dacey being the try scorer from a catch and drive. Dixon added the conversion.
Bedwas thought they had a third try after 31 minutes but the Television Match Official deemed he did not ground the ball. Just three minutes later Bridgend retook the lead as centre Gabriel Brown crossed the whitewash. D’Adamo converted to put his side one point ahead.
With half-time approaching Bedwas retook the lead when Aaron Billingham crossed out wide. Dixon converted to give Bedwas a 21-15 lead at the break.
Bedwas made replacements early in the second half.
James Dixon added a penalty in the 53rd minute before being replaced by James Hallett.
The crucial score came after 65 minutes played. Bedwas turned up the pressure at scrum time, and a scrum penalty saw Bedwas opt for a second scrum close to the Athletic line. The referee adjudged the Bridgend scrum to be illegal and awarded Bedwas a penalty try. Bridgend prop forward Ben Owen was adjudged to be the guilty party and was given a yellow card.
The rollercoaster of the scoring continued eight minutes later as a stray Bedwas pass was picked off by McKenzie Grey, who raced 80 metres to cross under the posts. D’Adamo converted.
Again, Bedwas responded quickly as Rhys Peters squeezed in at the corner. James Hallett added the conversion to put Bedwas 16 points ahead with five minutes remaining.
Athletic had the last say. With the clock indicating time was up, Grey added his third try. It was converted by D’Adamo before the referee ended proceedings to joyous scenes from the Bedwas players and supporters.
The Man of the Match, sponsored by GoCompare, was awarded to Bedwas hooker Mike Dacey.
Report courtesy of Ian Lovell, of Bedwas RFC
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