Two early tries set Bedwas on their way to a deserved bonus point victory over Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets on a showery Sunday April 3.
Bedwas started at a fast pace. A charged-down clearance kick caused confusion in the home defence and James Thomas marked his return to competitive rugby by pouncing on the loose ball with barely 60 seconds elapsed. James Dixon added the conversion.
Two minutes later, Bedwas increased their lead. A break which started in their own half saw the ball moved across the field and expertly finished by 18-year-old debutant Garyn Payne. Dixon again added the extras.
Llanelli then dominated possession and territory for a long period as Bedwas struggled to get any fluency. The pressure eventually told as scrum-half Justin James, making his 200th appearance for the home side, crossed for a try. Outside-half Billy McBryde added the conversion.
Bedwas hooker Richard Wilkes replaced the injured Alun Rees just before the half hour mark, and announced his arrival by crashing through the home defence to extend his side’s lead. James Dixon was wide with his conversion attempt.
There was still time for the home side to add their second try, centre Jonny Lewis spotting a gap and showing the Bedwas defence a clean pair of heels as he ran in. McBryde again added the extras.
Bedwas began the second half with fresh legs in the front row, cancelling out the advantage the home side had enjoyed in that area in the first period.
Dixon slotted a penalty from in front of the posts to extend the Bedwas lead before the away side made several more substitutions.
Llanelli battled to get back into the game but the Bedwas defence held strong.
With 65 minutes gone, Aled Brew made a smart break through the heart of the home defence and unselfishly passed to the supporting Andy Evans to post the fourth Bedwas try of the afternoon and a bonus point to boot. James Dixon again added the conversion.
Llanelli were not to be denied a third try with five minutes remaining as Elliot Rees crossed. McBryde’s kick struck the upright and bounced out, leaving his side ten points adrift.
The home side worked hard to secure at least a losing bonus point but determined Bedwas defending kept them out to secure a 22-32 win.
Bedwas now adjust their focus to what will be a big occasion for the club, as they face the formidable form of Pontypridd in the Fosters Challenge Cup final on Saturday April 9.