Cross Keys ended Bedwas’ hopes of a place in the last four of the Swalec Cup, winning the local derby 13-7 at a wet Pandy Park on March 28.
In a very tight first-half Keys shaded the possession statistics, but the Bedwas defence kept them at bay. Powell’s out-of-hand was good and managed to repel the home attacks.
Neither side came close to scoring a try as chances were few and far between.
Keys finally made the break- through three minutes before half-time, when Harley Thomson’s clearing kick was charged down and Leon Andrews crossed under the posts.
Ethan Davies’ conversion was unsuccessful as the ball fell off the kicking tee and his attempt at a drop goal went wide.
The second-half started as the first had ended with neither side able to conjure up a match-winning move.
With nine minutes of the half gone, good running by the home side created space for centre Phil Williams to cross for his side’s second try, Ethan Davies was again unsuccessful with his conversion.
Bedwas brought on a raft of replacements, including changing the entire front row.
The changes immediately paid off with the ball being moved quickly across the line for Mathew John to score a try out wide. Powell added the conversion to set up an intriguing last 27 minutes.
Bedwas’ task was made much harder when replacement number eight Dan Crimmins saw a yellow card for a ruck offence turn to a red one for dissent. Ethan Davies missed with the resulting penalty kick.
Bedwas refused to throw in the towel but the extra Keys man up front made their mission difficult.
Ethan Davies finally landed a penalty for the home side with three minutes remaining and they were able to run the clock down with much further drama.
Cross Keys will now face Pontypridd in the semi-finals.
• Match report and picture by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC