Aberavon RFC 24 Bedwas RFC 19 Principality Welsh Premiership, Friday March 30 2018 Bedwas lost again at the Talbot Athletic Ground where victories have been as rare as hen’s teeth. This was an evenly fought game but saw the home side prevail with a penalty try giving Aberavon the winning difference. But Bedwas had got off to a flying start with the visitors seven points up after only three minutes. A sharp-thinking Mike Hathaway took a quick penalty and fired out a low pass to Adam Williams who squeezed in at the corner. Aberavon answered with two tries in five minutes from scrum half Iwan Temblett and prop-forward Alex Jefferies, both converted by James Garland.
Bedwas clawed their way back after 30 minutes with Dan Preece scoring in the corner and with Joseph Scrivens doing well to kick the conversion to level the score. A James Garland penalty goal four minutes later restored Aberavon's lead but the game became a wrestle with neither side looking like adding to their score. A driving maul was deemed by the referee to be illegally stopped by Bedwas and a penalty try was awarded four minutes after the interval. Captain James Richards’ yellow card added to Bedwas' woes. The remaining 14 dug in and aided by a couple of pairs of fresh legs repelled the home attack preventing any scores while Richards was taking his enforced rest. But once Bedwas were back to 15 men they hit back with a try as Williams grabbed his second of the game. Scrivens this time missed his conversion attempt. Bedwas made a host of changes but a resolute Aberavon defence was not looking like creaking. There was a chance of closing the gap but Scrivens’ penalty shot fell just short. The losing bonus point Bedwas gained was at least some reward for their efforts.
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Match report and photography by Ian Lovell