Principality Welsh Premiership, Saturday November 5 2011.
Match report by John Meredith.
Bedwas entertained neighbours Crosskeys hoping to continue the momentum of having won four of their last five matches and maintain the climb up the league table.
Keys had the first opportunity to get the scoreboard moving with three minutes gone following Bedwas foul play but Jones missed his kick at goal. Bedwas struggled to contain the visiting pack in the tight but following a penalty kick to touch Bedwas stole a line out and cleared a try scoring opportunity.
Keys had another opportunity after 12 minutes when Bedwas were penalised for crossing but again Jones missed with his kick at goal, but from the restart Keys gained another penalty-this time Jones was successful.
Bedwas had the chance to get back in the game after being awarded a penalty for a Keys player not entering a ruck ‘through the gate’ but Powell’s kick missed the target.
The home side failed to have any rhythm to their play and all too often moves broke down due to unforced errors. Keys increased their lead with a try by Nathan Williams under the sticks, Jones adding the extras. From the restart the visitors were penalised for holding on and Powell got Bedwas on the board with a penalty goal.
Stepping up the pressure Kristian Owen was tackled just short of the try line before lock forward James Murphy crossed for a try, Powell’s conversion went wide to leave Bedwas two points adrift. Just before the half time break Bedwas were penalised for pulling down a Keys line out and Jones slotted the kick for a 13-8 advantage.
The second half started with Deri Mattravers replacing the injured Phill Sargent, Mattravers pulling on the captain’s armband.
Keys extended their lead after Bedwas were penalised for a hand in at a ruck, Jones again successful with his kick, before Powell added his second penalty goal of the afternoon with a superb kick from the halfway line.
Bedwas were still making too many unforced errors. Keys won a line out and Trowbridge added an unconverted try after a neat chip ahead to extend their lead. Keeping up the pressure Keys’ Trowbridge added his second try, again unconverted for a deserved 26 points to 11 victory.
Bedwas Man of the Match: Flanker Rob Carter tackled his heart out for a lost cause.