RUGBY UNION: Bedwas came back from the dead to defeat Neath, after scoring 34 unanswered points at The Gnoll on a cold but dry evening on Friday, February 12.
The Principality Premiership match started by showing no sign of the drama to come as both sides looked for an opening.
Neath took first blood following a good passing move, as lock forward Rhys Jones swept past some static Bedwas defenders to cross for a try, Rhodri Cole’s conversion attempt going wide.
Soon afterwards, the home side doubled their advantage as again the Bedwas defence was found wanting. Winger Josh Jones took advantage to cross, this time improved upon by Cole.
It appeared Neath had scored a third try minutes later, but the officials contentiously disallowed the score.
Bedwas were rocking, and Josh Jones added his second try after the referee again consulted his touch judge. The conversion attempt went wide.
Bedwas were lacking cohesion and were getting bullied by a rampant Neath pack but, deep into stoppage time, finally put together a sweeping cross-field move which resulted in a try in the left hand corner for George Gasson. Richard Powell’s kick missed the target for the conversion.
With barely five minutes of the second half gone, Bedwas replaced their entire front row and the injured George Lee.
If they were to find a way back into the game, it was essential Bedwas scored first in the second half, and they duly obliged with Adam Williams exploiting a gap to cross for a try. Again Powell missed his conversion attempt.
Bedwas made further replacements in the pack in Robson Blake and Joe Davies, as well as centre Mike Callow, and the fresh legs helped Bedwas find their second wind.
Richard Powell launched an attack with a smart kick and chase, but pulled up with cramp as he chased down the ball. Bedwas attackers followed up in numbers and bundled the Neath defender into touch to earn a five-metre scrum.
Bedwas turned the screw and Alun Rees was driven over for a third try, Powell once again off target with his kick.
Bedwas had all the impetus, and with ten minutes of play remaining, man of the match Mathew John ran through and crossed to give his side the lead. Powell finally found his range and Bedwas were six points ahead with a crucial bonus point in the bag.
Bedwas cemented the comeback minutes later, as John added his second try with an unopposed run past tired defenders. Powell added the extra 2 points to complete a memorable victory.
Bedwas have little time to rest on their laurels before taking on Newport in The Fosters Challenge Cup on Wednesday 17 February at 7:15pm at Ystrad Mynach, and just three days later Llandovery visit Bedwas for a Principality Premiership game, kick-off 2:30pm.
• Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.