A Bedwas side made up with a number of permit players pulled off a brilliant 28-24 win against Cross Keys in the Fosters Challenge Cup on Tuesday March 8, after trailing by 18 points.
On a heavy pitch made worse by rain earlier in the afternoon, Keys got off to a flying start; wing Nathan Trowbridge hacking the ball through and winning the race to the line to put his side six points up after only five minutes. The try went unconverted.
Keys had a stranglehold on possession and territory and were rewarded when scrum-half Ross Pritchard was on the end of a move and crossed for a try. Bedwas tried to make inroads but made errors which denied them. Keys extended their lead after 23 minutes with Nathan Trowbridge crossing for his second, following another clever kick through.
Bedwas finally got into the game after 32 minutes. The pack set up as driving maul, and Stuart Vokes grounded in the corner. Once again, no conversion ensued.
Keys added their fourth try with the last play of the half after Bedwas again turned over possession, back-rower Ieaun Jones crossing for the try. It was a poor evening for the kickers as another conversion was missed.
The Bedwas fightback began on 55 minutes; wing Elliott Keep burst through the home defence following a quick tap penalty, and Matthew Minty added the first conversion of the evening.
Five minutes later a Bedwas penalty was kicked to the corner and again the Bedwas pack drove forward as one. Stuart Vokes was last off the turf to claim his second try of the night. The conversion was again unsuccessful, but the arrears were down to four points.
Bedwas tails were up and three minutes later Connor Edwards made a powerful burst through the home defence and passed to Andy Evans, who ran through for a try to put Bedwas ahead for the first time in the contest. Kieran Meek added the conversion.
Both sides tried to gain further scores but defences held strong until the final whistle.
The result has no impact on group standings, with Cross Keys already eliminated from the competition following their defeat to Newport on Tuesday March 2.
Bedwas RFC are grateful to the following clubs for allowing their players to play on permit: Brynmawr RFC, Caerleon RFC, Caerphilly RFC, Nantyglo RFC, Newbridge RFC, Machen RFC, Penallta RFC and Pontypool RFC.
Bedwas are back in Principality Welsh Premiership action on Saturday March 12, when Bridgend Ravens are the visitors to Bridge Field. Kick off is at 12pm, due to the England v Wales Six Nations fixture later in the afternoon.
- Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.