CARMARTHEN 7 – 24 BEDWAS
Saturday February 11, Carmarthen
Winger Matthew John’s late try earned Bedwas a valuable bonus-point win as a solid performance saw the visitors move into top place in the Principality Premiership’s Tier One at Carmarthen Park.
Carmarthen Quins had the first chance to put points on the board after Bedwas were penalised for not rolling away at a ruck, but outside-half Craig Evans pulled his effort wide.
Bedwas responded almost immediately. A Quins clearance kick was charged down by outside-half Richard Powell, and John was fastest to the loose ball, touching down in the left-hand corner. The angle proved too tight for Powell, as the conversion sailed wide.
Powell then hit the post with a long-range penalty, and Quins finally got their scoreboard moving on 18 minutes.
Quick hands across the line exposed a narrow Bedwas defence, and winger Morgan Griffiths exploited the space to cross the whitewash. Evans slotted the conversion, and the home side led 7-5.
Both sides were determined to take the next score, and it was Bedwas who had the last say of the first half.
Flanker James Thomas made a fine break for the visitors, and despite being hauled down 15 metres from the Quins try line, got the ball free for second-rower Geraint Edmunds to bundle through several tacklers to restore his side’s lead. Powell’s conversion secured the five-point cushion.
After a tight contest in the first half, Bedwas dominated possession and territory after the interval but couldn’t turn their pressure into points.
The visitors eventually gained reward in the final quarter, as No8 Robson Blake was driven over for a try. Powell was again successful from the tee and Bedwas led 7-19.
Quins were up against it, and with Bedwas in no mood to surrender their hard-earned lead, conceded again.
Patience was key for the visitors, as a great break through the midfield by centre Jack Dixon put John clear for Bedwas’ bonus-point try. Powell’s mixed afternoon continued as he missed the conversion, but there was too little time for Quins to find a way back into proceedings.
Bedwas next turn their attention from the Premiership to the WRU National Cup as they take on Merthyr at the Bridgefield in round two on Saturday February 18.
• Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.