Bargoed Briefs

1st XV

This week the 1st XV travelled to Cross Keys in a WRU Premiership fixture.

Bargoed started well with a significant territorial advantage and opened the scoring when Keys infringed and Josh Prosser kicked the penalty.

Bargoed lost captain James Leadbeater with an injury and he was replaced by Logan Franklin.

Bargoed were playing some great rugby and increased their lead when hard working back rower Jason James crossed for a try with Prosser adding the extras.

They continued to pile the pressure on Keys who defended well. However Bargoed went further ahead when Jason James deservedly crossed again for a try and Bargoed led 15-0 and looked to be in control with 30 minutes gone.

The hosts had other ideas though as a defensive lapse by Bargoed saw Keys get in behind them and score a try that was converted to make it 15-7.

Bargoed conceded a couple of penalties and Keys kicked to the corner and drove their effective maul to cross for a second try that was converted and it was 15-14 to Bargoed at the break.

The second half saw Keys have a period of pressure early but Bargoed’s defence held firm.

Bargoed managed to get some territory and looked to stretch the hosts, but inaccuracy and some poor decisions hampered their progress.

Bargoed looked like they would score on a couple of occasions with Dylan Williams going close and Jason James just missing out on a hat trick as great scramble defence from Keys held them out.

Bargoed continued to pile the pressure on and the hosts conceded a penalty and Bargoed benefited when hooker Morgan Edwards drove over for a try from close range with Prosser kicking the conversion to lead 22-14.

The hosts also looked to play some expansive rugby and used their big pack to good effect in contact.

However it was Bargoed who looked more threatening and were now on top, with Rhys Thomas and Morgan Powell prominent.

Bargoed scored again after a great build up and good work from Matthew Lewis put Jake Hillman in for a try which was converted by Prosser.

Bargoed now led 29-14 but Keys continued to pound away and used their power plays to good effect to cross for a converted try and close the gap to 29-21.

Bargoed coughed up possession and Keys attacked in the last play but a handling error prevented them closing the gap any further and Bargoed came out on top in a tough encounter.

Warriors

The Warriors also had a significant challenge on their hands as they welcomed Brecon to Bargoed Park in a Division 6 East Central fixture with both sides vying for promotion. It was anticipated that this would be a tough one with the last encounter in November seeing Bargoed winning narrowly at Brecon 11-10.

This game was another that was tight throughout with two quality teams on show. Brecon led early during the first half but Bargoed struck back with a try to close the gap.

Brecon managed to keep the lead but Bargoed scored a second try.

Bargoed continued to work hard and got a third try and a dramatic late draw 20-20.

Bargoed’s tries were scored by Man of the Match Ellis Hall with two and a great all round performance. Hard working back rower Dawson Harris and centre and player coach, Lewis Protheroe were also try scorers in a real team effort.

The Warriors have their eyes on the title with Cardiff Met in top spot at present. However the Warriors have already been promoted in their first year in the National Leagues.

Youth

The Youth also had a great result with a win at home against Caerphilly 14-11 with tries from Cody Jones and Jayden Moon and two conversions from Jayden Griffiths. The Youth now sit proudly at the top of the East Wales Championship and are one point ahead of Old Penarthians.

The 1st XV entertain Ystrad Rhondda on Wednesday under the lights at Bargoed Park 7.30 kick off.

On Saturday the 1st XV face Newcastle Emlyn at home. The Warriors travel to Cardiff to play St Peter’s away next week, looking to challenge for the league title.

The Youth entertain St Albans at Bargoed Park next week, who lie in third place also with a title at stake.

Good luck to all players, coaching and management staff.