A strong defensive performance and an excellent display of goal kicking from Richard Powell earned Bedwas a 29-13 victory against Llandovery at a wet Bridgefield on November 21.
Both sides took time to settle and get into their stride although Powell’s first attempt at goal nudged his side ahead after 12 minutes.
Good defence from both sides kept the score the same before visiting inside centre Rhodri Jones broke through to score a well-worked try, converted by James Garland.
Powell added two more penalty goals for Bedwas, the second after he made a great break from his own 22 metre area only to be hauled down metres from the try line.
The referee spotted an off the ball incident and sin-binned visiting prop forward Greg Cunniffe.
Two minutes later, good Bedwas pressure saw Matthew Pewtner rewarded with a try in the right hand corner, Powell confidently slotted the conversion to put his side 16-7 ahead.
Llandovery fought back and Bedwas’ indiscipline was punished by two further James Garland penalties, the second on the stroke of half-time to reduce the deficit to three points.
The second half followed a similar patter as both sides continued to defend well, with neither willing to budge.
Powell nudged Bedwas further ahead with a well struck penalty before back rower Shaun Miles became the second Llandovery player to be sin-binned, this time for a deliberate knock on.
Powell once again took his chance and his successful penalty put his side 22 points to 13 ahead.
Bedwas turned the screw and made the extra man pay off as Rhys Hutcherson was driven over for a try and Powell completed his 100% successful kicking record with a well struck conversion.
With the clock ticking down, Bedwas replacement Deri Mattravers was sin-binned for a tackle offence, but there was insufficient time for the visitors to get back into the game and the home side held out for deserved victory.
The win leaves Bedwas sixth in the Principality Premiership, on equal points with fifth-placed Cross Keys who beat Carmarthen Quins 20-15 on November 21.
Bedwas are next in league action on Saturday December 20 when they visit Cardiff Arms Park.
In the meantime a home friendly fixture has been arranged against Beddau on Saturday December 13 at 2.30pm. Cross Keys travel to Pontypridd on December 20 .
• Match report and picture by Ian Lovell.