Bedwas 40-3 Glamorgan Wanderers
Saturday January 28
A hat-trick of tries for No.8 Andrew Waite saw Bedwas safely through to the second round of the WRU National Cup on Saturday January 28.
Glamorgan Wanderers deserve credit for their efforts, but the Bedwas forward-power and heavy, muddy Bridgefield pitch eventually took its toll on the visitors.
Glamorgan dominated the early possession with the aid of the wind at their backs, and took the lead after 11 minutes through Luke Fish’s long-range penalty from the half-way line.
Bedwas responded well, and from a close-range scrum, Waite picked up from the base to dive in for a try. Outside-half Richard Powell added the extras.
Both sides worked hard in the heavy conditions as the wet ball made handling difficult.
The home side doubled their lead shortly before half time, as another strong scrum pushed the Glamorgan pack backwards and made it easy for Waite to pounce on the ball for his second of the afternoon. Powell added the extras to take the scores to 14-3 at the break.
Bedwas changed kit ahead of the second half, and began as brightly as their red away number.
Scrum-half Nicky Griffiths sent centre Mike Callow through for a try early into the second period, and Powell made it three from three from the tee.
In an attempt to preserve tiring legs, Bedwas utilised their bench options. A yellow card for flanker James Richards made life hard for ten minutes but Glamorgan were unable to make their superior numbers count.
Scrum-half Tom Rowlands made his first appearance for Bedwas after almost 12 months out with injury, and fellow replacement Chris Budgen crossed from the front-row just five minutes after taking to the pitch. James Dixon narrowly missed with his first conversion attempt.
Waite grabbed his hat-trick score after he was pulled over from driving lineout ball, and Bedwas were awarded a penalty try shortly after as the Glamorgan scrum disintegrated in front of the try-line. Both scores were converted by Dixon to take the match 40-3.
Bedwas are next in action on Saturday February 4, as the second stage of the Principality Premiership begins. The Blues face reigning champions Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park.
• Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.