Bedwas started off with lots of energy and two early Richard Powell penalties were reward for their efforts as they opted for a ‘points on the board’ approach. They continued to dominate possession but were guilty of wrong options or handling errors to frustrate their coaching team and supporters alike.
However the first try wasn’t long coming as following a line-out on their own 10 metre line Connor Edwards found space in midfield to cross for a try, Powell added the conversion.
Neath huffed and puffed but Bedwas’ first up tackling was generally good and the visitors could not find a way through.
The home side increased their lead just before the half hour mark. Number 8 Andrew Waite picked up the ball from the base of a scrum deep in his own half, fed fellow back rower George Lee who passed onto hooker Alun Rees who broke through to slip the ball to Rory Budina. The flying winger turned on the afterburners and sprinted down the line from fully 50 metres out to cross for a great try. Powell again converted.
Neath got on the scoreboard shortly afterwards courtesy of outside half Joel Matavesi after Bedwas were deemed offside at a ruck. Deep into stoppage time Neath reduced the deficit as scrum half Tom James crossed for a try, Chris Morgans adding the extra’s and meant the Bedwas’ lead was probably not what their dominance warranted.
It didn’t take long for Bedwas to increase their lead James Dixon making a break setting up Rory Budina to sprint in for his second try with only three minutes elapsed. Powell was wide with his conversion attempt on this occasion.
Bedwas continued to dominate but basic errors prevented any addition to the score. Neath hit back with an unconverted try by replacement Ian Ellis who strolled past a static Bedwas defence. Sensing they could get something from the game Neath lifted the pace and came close to scoring a third try but centre Morris was forced into touch just shy of the try line.
Bedwas supporters endured a torturous closing 10 minutes as Neath fought hard. Then came the sucker punch as Neath’s efforts earned themselves a kickable last gasp penalty which would have gained them a losing bonus point but unfortunately for them it was sliced wide. The referee blew for full time immediately to the relief of the home support and management.
Next Saturday Bedwas travel west to Church Bank Llandovery for a match which will kick off at 1pm due to the Wales game later in the afternoon.
