Principality Welsh Premiership, Saturday 12 November 2011.
Match report by John Meredith, photography by Ian Lovell
A clinical second half performance earned Bedwas a deserved victory over neighbours Newport.
Bedwas made a few changes from last week’s game versus Keys, Sam Feehan starting at lock, Deri Mattravers at number 8 and Darren Ryan at centre. Brendan Lampitt returned from Neath to take a place on the replacements bench.
Newport took an early lead via a Bowen penalty after Bedwas were penalised at a ruck, but within two minutes Powell slotted an equalising penalty for the home side.
Newport hooker Andrew Brown crossed for a try, improved on by Bowen to increase their advantage. Powell added a second penalty for Bedwas from the half way line but although being on the front foot Bedwas were still making too many unforced errors. Powell kicked a third penalty before the half time interval to reduce the deficit to one point.
Starting the second half with the sun at their backs the home team who had defended well for the first half knew they would have to lift the ante to get back into the game.
Whatever was said in the dressing room hit the mark as Bedwas took the lead when the ball was spread wide for Kristian Owen to cross out wide, Powell’s conversion hitting an upright. Newport’s Bowen then added a penalty to put his one point behind.
Bedwas went back on the offensive and Ryan Howells came close to scoring before his fellow centre Darren Ryan muscled over, Powell’s conversion again unsuccessful. Newport didn’t buckle and went back up field for another Brown try, converted by Bowen for a 20-19 lead, the game really coming to life as both sides fought for the match clinching try.
Bedwas weren’t finished. A barnstorming run by veteran Mattravers put captain Phill Sargent in for a try, Powell adding the conversion. Newport still looked dangerous with ball in hand before Powell added a penalty to put the result out of reach and earn Bedwas a deserved win.
Next Saturday (November 19) Bedwas visit Bridgend, kick off 2.30pm.
Star Man: Deri Mattravers, the veteran number 8 continues to show some fine form.