Fixture

Cardiff Met arrived at the Bridge Field with the Bedwas pitch in remarkably good condition considering the overnight rain, to face what was expected to be a stern challenge from the home team. 

Bedwas got off to a flying start when, almost immediately, they produced some nice attacking rugby which asked questions of the Cardiff Met defence until eventually the home side put the ball through the hands effectively to send number eight, Owen Jones, over for the games opening try. The students responded very well to this early setback and were able to gain field position inside the Bedwas 22. Here they pressurised the home defence and following a charge down, outside half Bradley Roderick-Evans was able to cross for a try near the posts which he also converted to give the students the lead.

Bedwas were next to go on the attack and, following a series of 'pick & go's' from the forwards near the Cardiff Met line, flanker James Richards - who was celebrating his 100th game - crossed for a try which was converted by full back James Hallet to restore the lead for the home team. There was now a period during which both teams tried to establish some sort of superiority with the Bedwas driving lineout beginning to go well alongside some enterprising rugby from the students. It was, however, the weather which ultimately determined the outcome of much of the play with numerous errors from both teams. The game drifted towards half time when the students, having defended heroically inside their 22, were awarded a penalty following great work by Charles Rylands at a ruck. However, rather than clear their lines, the students opted to run from their 22 and were immediately penalised for not releasing at the tackle allowing Bedwas the opportunity to take three points. Once again the students responded positively and they themselves were awarded a penalty which was kicked by Bradley Roderick-Evans to take the students in at half time 15-10 down but very much still in the contest.

As the game moved into the second half, it was once again Bedwas who dominated the opening phases. A strong driving lineout almost resulted in a try for the home team but the Met were able to hold the ball up over the line. However, at the resulting scrum, the Bedwas eight produced an effective drive which resulted in the referee awarding a penalty try to the home team.  Bedwas continued to pressurise and following another scrum inside the Cardiff Met 22 outside half Bradley Williams was able to cross for a try, converted by James Hallett. With the score at 29-10 the game was now over as a contest and the final twenty minutes failed to produce anything of note, Bedwas will have been pleased to get the bonus point win whilst the students will reflect as to why, once again, they were unable to build on what was a promising first half display.

A special note of thanks to everyone at Bedwas for the excellent hospitality we were afforded on the day, we look forward to welcoming you to Cyncoed later in the season.