Fixture

Bargoed travelled to a cold St. Helens to face Swansea in a crucial game between two sides in the bottom half of the table. The Bulls were looking to bounce back after a poor performance the previous week against another Ospreys based side, Neath.

Swansea started the more positive and dominated possession early on, as Bargoed struggled to get out of their half. The pressure told on 10 minutes when scrum half Andrew Ham darted over at close range, the try was converted by Steffan Williams for a 7-0 lead to the All Whites.  

Swansea increased their lead after 18 minutes when Bargoed lost possession and good handling saw the ball moved to wing Ben Cambriani who showed great pace to score in the corner.

Bargoed found themselves 17-0 down after 24 minutes after Swansea drove a line-out and then used the short side to put Ben Cambriani over again.

Bargoed were struggling to retain possession and make any progress in attack, and when they kicked into the Swansea half a poor chase and lazy defence allowed the home side to counter attack and put wing Gareth Rees over for a try converted by Williams. 

Swansea increased the lead just before half time with centre Rhys Williams putting in a kick for Cambriani to gather and get his third and give Swansea a commanding 24-0 lead at half time. 

The second half saw Bargoed dominate territory and possession early on but some poor execution resulted in Swansea keeping a clean sheet until the 18th minute, when full back Carwyn Penny scythed through for a try converted by Prosser. 

Bargoed looked far more assured in attack but some errors resulted in Swansea counterattacking and getting into the Bargoed 22 for the first time in the second half. 

Bargoed defended a driving line-out but they failed to clear their lines and James Ratti pounced for a try for Swansea which was converted by Williams with ten minutes left on the clock. 

Swansea pounced again when a handling error saw them camp on the Bargoed 22 and poor defence again saw Cambriani go under the posts for a converted try and a 43-7 lead.

Swansea scored another converted try to make the final score 50-7 when Rhys Williams intercepted and scored from half way.

This was a disappointing performance from Bargoed with the game seemingly out of reach at half time. They will need to be more accurate and inventive in attack next week and also shore up a leaky defence, as they face the challenge of Ebbw Vale. 

The players and coaching staff will relish the opportunity to get back on the horse and will see this as a chance to reinstate some pride in the jersey after a run of three defeats. 

This squad are capable of playing some sublime rugby in attack, so resilience, accuracy and attitude will be the key to getting it right and producing a good performance this week.