Bedwas hooker Mike Dacey, named as the Go Compare Man of the Match, lifted the lid on his club’s so-called ‘quiet coach’ Steve Law after his side’s 38-29 WRU Championship Cup win over Bridgend Athletic at Principality Stadium.
Law returned to his former club last summer after winning two Challenge Cups and a Premiership title with Cardiff and has dramatically altered the fortunes of the ‘Was, who are also top of Championship East and on course to pull off a league and cup double.
“He’s not very quiet behind closed doors,” joked Dacey on Law’s supposed quiet demeanor.
“He’s been absolutely amazing for the club. He’s obviously very knowledgeable being where he’s been in the past with the clubs he’s coached.
“But he gets the best out of everyone, not one player will put the Bedwas jersey on this year and not know he’s has to put 100% in otherwise you’re looking at bench spots or not being involved at all. Anything short of 7/10, which he likes to say, you know you’re not up to standard.”
Veteran wing Aaron Billingham, at 39 the oldest player on the field, had won a Cup winners medal with Swansea in the past and picked up two tries in the first half to guide Bedwas to their victory.
“It means the world to us. We’ve worked so hard all season, dug in deep, and the coaches have been brilliant,” he said.
“What an outcome, it’s all been worth it. Fair play to Bridgend, they really put us to the sword and while we expected a tough game, they forced us to dug deep before coming up with the result.
“It’s always good to get over the whitewash, but I was just there to finish them off. It was a team effort.”
It was the second time in as many years that Bridgend Athletic had reached Principality Stadium and once again they left empty handed. That said, they played a huge part in a thrilling contest and wing Mackenzie Grey helped himself to a hat trick of tries.
But their bad puck began in the warm-up when skipper Jonathan Phillips ruled himself out of the match after failing to overcome a hamstring injury.
“I picked up a hamstring injury last Saturday. I joined training on Tuesday and Thursday, but it wasn’t great,” said Phillips.
“I tried my best but unfortunately it wasn’t right today. I had to sit this one out and it was painful watching from the sidelines.”