There were two home games on the weekend with the 1st XV and Youth at home.
1st XV Match Report
Bargoed faced the challenge of Mid District rivals Ystrad Rhondda RFC and had the wind with them in the first half and this played a big part for both teams throughout the game.
The Bulls had the perfect start with James Locke crashing over after a kick from Josh Prosser was fumbled and Locke was rewarded for his hard work off the ball.
They increased the lead with an opportunist try. There was good work from Adam Jones and Rhys Stephens in the build up as they put Rheims Handford away to score from forty yards out, after eighteen minutes, to lead 10-0
Bargoed continued to press for another score but a misfiring line-out and good defence saw Ystrad repel the attacks and look dangerous on the counter attack.
The hosts started to fix some of these problems and after a period of pressure it was Matthew Lewis that increased the lead with a try that was converted by Josh Prosser.
Bargoed were looking for another score with the wind advantage knowing that it would be a tough second half but they failed to increase the lead and it was 17-0 at half time.
The second half saw Ystrad strike the first blow with a try after 45 minutes to close the gap.
Ystrad’s pace and creativity in attack were causing Bargoed some problems, but the defence were working hard to maintain their lead.
The visitors kept plugging away and remained patient and scored again with a chip and chase with 58 minutes gone.
Bargoed’s lead was now cut to 17-10 and it was Ystrad who appeared to be in the driving seat.
Ystrad managed to take advantage of this and got back to 17-17 with a converted try.
Bargoed responded positively and started to make some inroads into the opposition half but dogged defence by Ystrad initially kept them out, but they then conceded a late penalty.
Josh Prosser stepped up but the kick didn’t make it into a strong wind. The visitors cleared their lines but were still under pressure.
Ashley Norton and Tom Rice both carried hard and set up an attack in the 22 and Matthew Lewis cooly dropped a goal to clinch the victory 20-17.
Bargoed will take confidence from the result but will know that the performance needs to improve as we look to an end of season block with some tough games ahead.
Youth Match Report
Bargoed welcomed Aberdare to Bargoed Park in an East Wales Premiership tie with a title chance.
Aberdare started well and scored early to lead 5-0 before captain Max Hill scored a try converted by Cody Jones to take the lead.
The visitors scored two more tries as they had the better of the opening quarter to lead 15-7.
Bargoed hit back with a try from Harvey Williams crashing over to make it 15-10 to Aberdare.
Tyler Rees scored a try after a great build up and Cody Jones kicked the conversion to make it 17-15 to Bargoed.
Aberdare struck back in this entertaining encounter with two quality sides on show and regained the lead 22-17 with a converted try.
They then kicked a penalty to increase the lead to 25-17. Bargoed weren’t finished though and got themselves back into the opposition 22 and scored to close the gap to 25-22.
However it was Aberdare who had the final say scoring a converted try at the end to close the game out with a 32-22 victory to Aberdare.
Bargoed will rue the poor start where Aberdare took advantage to build an early lead, but the response from the Young Bulls who worked hard throughout, was commendable but not quite enough.
There is still plenty to play for the Youth squad though with a Dragons Cup semi final to play against Caldicot.
This week the 1st XV travel to Brecon in a Community Premiership game and the Warriors play Brecon Athletic on Sunday in the Division 5 Cup Final at the Principality Stadium.