It was a winning weekend for Bargoed RFC with the 1st XV, the Warriors and the Youth notching up three wins.

1st XV
Bargoed entertained Cross Keys in a WRU Premiership tie after three good performances in recent weeks but just falling short on the scoreboard.

Cross Keys started well and had Bargoed under pressure early on, opening their account with a try after nine minutes.

Bargoed struck back with a well worked try from the pack with Morgan Edwards getting the touchdown converted by Josh Prosser to lead 7-5 after thirteen minutes.

Cross Keys were dominating territory and possession and testing Bargoed’s defence, which was excellent. However the breakthrough came for the visitors after 29 minutes with a converted try to lead 12-7.

Bargoed responded well and applied pressure at the other end of the field but were unable to get the try they were looking for, with the ball held up in goal and then an error in attack when everyone thought that Bargoed would get over the line.

The visitors led 12-7 at half time in this physical encounter.

The second half saw Cross Keys take the initiative and have a period of pressure, but Bargoed again defended well and held firm.

Bargoed were looking to counter attack and good work by Dylan Williams and Rhys Thomas put Charlie Williams away.

He was tackled high and Bargoed kicked to the corner but failed to take advantage.

Keys managed to relief the pressure and great work off the ball by Lewis Johnson resulted in Morgan Edwards getting his second try to make it all square after forty eight minutes.

Bargoed were working hard in a tough battle and were trying to stretch the visitors but an error saw Keys get the loose ball and score from 45 metres out with a converted try.

They led 19-12 with twenty minutes to go.

Bargoed were now starting to get on top with the bench really making an impact and their attack more potent as the game went on.

They levelled the score with a clever kick from Matthew Lewis enabling Dylan Williams to gather and score. Lewis converted and as we went into the last twelve minutes it was anyone’s game.

Cross Keys tried to break the Bargoed defensive line but the energy and intent from Bargoed in defence was superb.

The hosts moved the ball trying to stretch the Keys defence and when they were penalised Josh Prosser stepped up to kick the penalty and take the lead.

Bargoed were back on the attack with the impressive Logan Yendle looking like he may score before being hauled down.

Josh Prosser managed the game well to close it out, pinning Keys deep in their half.

Bargoed ended up winning 21-19 knowing that Keys are a tough side to break down, and getting that important victory at home.

Bargoed’s defence and discipline was outstanding throughout and key factors in getting the result.

The coaching staff will be pleased with the hard fought victory but with plenty of work on’s.

They will also be pleased with the impact of the bench and it was great to see last season’s youth captain Cody Rees doing well along with the other young bucks who added loads of energy and worked hard to get the win.

Bargoed now lie in fifth place in the Premiership with Neath away the next fixture on 28 February at the Gnoll.

Warriors

The Warriors played Hafodyrynys at Trinant in difficult conditions in a Division 5 East fixture.

Bargoed came out on top winning convincingly 80-5 against a side who never threw the towel in.

There were three tries for Jason James, a brace of tries for Dylan Rogers, and Chris Cuss and further tries for James Chard, Morgan Small, Ben Palmer, Harvey Jones, Rhys Davies and skipper Ben Jones on his return after injury.

The extras with the boot were added by Dylan Rogers and Ben Jones.

Big thanks to the Hafod for all their hard work in getting the game on and Trinant RFC for hosting.

Bargoed now sit top of the table in Division 5 East and are unbeaten in the league.

They entertain Forgeside in their next fixture in another league game on 28 February.

It was also great to see the Youth victorious against Merthyr with a well deserved 24-17 victory at home in the East Wales Championship.

This was another great advert for Youth rugby with two well coached teams on show in a high quality game. Well done both sides.

Big thanks to the Referee as well.

This week we entertain our friends from the Scottish Borders as we play our annual fixture against Hawick Quins for the Butters Cup.

The game will be played at Bargoed Park kicking off at 4.30 with the Warriors taking up the challenge against the Quins, and hoping to reclaim the cup after the Quins victory last season.

We then have a 60th anniversary dinner taking place to celebrate this incredible milestone.

We also look forward to Saturday and the Wales v Scotland game in the Six Nations with bragging rights at stake for the weekend.

It’s going to be a great weekend!!