Caerphilly’s three Premiership sides suffered disappointing losses in the Fosters Challenge Cup, with no league fixtures scheduled for a three week period.
On Wednesday October 12, each of the sides from the Principality Premiership – except RGC 1404 – embarked upon this season’s Challenge Cup campaign, competing in four pools.
In Pool C, Bargoed lost 38-7 to Merthyr as the visitors ran in six tries. Former Ospreys hooker Matt Dwyer scored an unlikely hat-trick, while Joshua Moscardini grabbed Bargoed’s lone score.
In Pool A, Bedwas and Newport shared a nine-try bonanza at The Bridge Field, as a frenetic match finished 41-26 to the Black and Ambers.
Newport fly-half Matt O’Brien scored 17 of his side’s points, contributing a try, drop-goal, penalty, and three conversions.
Phillip Pariyo stunned the visitors with a burst of pace to give his side an early try, but Newport’s strength shone through as the match elapsed.
On Wednesday October 19, Premiership champions Ebbw Vale scored a late try through Dai Langdon to condemn Bargoed to a second defeat and leave them bottom of Pool C, despite leading 10-0 at the break.
Bedwas had a week off, due to being in the three-team Pool A, but Cross Keys capitulated in similar fashion to Bargoed.
Enjoying a 11-0 lead at half-time, Keys let the game at Rodney Parade slip away, as Newport snatched a 17-11 victory thanks to Wes Cunliffe.
Premiership sides return to league action on Saturday October 29, with the next two rounds of Challenge Cup fixtures pencilled in for Wednesday December 7 and 14.