The 1st XV opened their Community Premiership season with a hard fought victory over Ystrad Rhondda at a sunny Bargoed Park.

Bargoed had the better of the early exchanges with Logan Yendle making a great line break and there was significant pressure on the visitors.

Bargoed continued to apply pressure and when the the ball went to ground Tom Weekley responded quickest and hacked the ball through to score the first try. Josh Prosser converted and Bargoed led 7-0 after 5 minutes.

Bargoed continued to look to play expansively and Tom Weekley used his pace with a chip and chase, to score his second try that was converted by Josh Prosser after 15 minutes. Bargoed led 14 -0

The Bulls created a few more scoring opportunities but were not clinical enough and slowly Ystrad started to hold more possession and were winning the territorial battle.

Bargoed conceded a few penalties and were under real pressure but the defensive effort was excellent and that managed to hold Ystrad out to lead 14-0 at half time.

Bargoed came out firing after half time and dominated territory and possession. They used their scrum to good effect and Rhys Stephens scored the third try on the back of a great scrum drive.

Bargoed increased the lead to 19-0 and kept their foot on the pedal.

They eventually managed to get the bonus point try after 62 minutes with Cameron Regan scoring in the corner after a great drive by the pack, to make it 26-0

Ystrad worked hard to get themselves back in the game.
Bargoed were pinned down in their half and conceded a couple of penalties, but again they worked hard in defence and cleared their lines.

Ystrad were not giving in and eventually they scored a converted try from 40 metres to close the gap to 26-7 with 5 minutes to go.

Bargoed responded superbly and scored again immediately after a loose line-out, the ball was regathered and moved wide for Dylan Williams to cross for a try. Conor Murphy stepped up and nailed the conversion and the Bulls had an opening win and a bonus point against a dogged outfit who worked hard all game

Bargoed 33 Ystrad Rhondda 7

The coaching team will be pleased with the intent in attack and organisation and hard work in defence. However they also know that they need to be more clinical when opportunities are created.

Images Link https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNC0PFNtFuKls9Y4JhYS2paEfBQfGJmvl94IbkRcxjPjxnj_XZFyqj8j59RHt4_8w?key=MnlobFpZVlg1MFVGVG1FRTYzTlpBT3dJcWFsWWRn

Next week is a bye week but the Warriors are in action with a local derby away against Bedwellty in their first Division 4 National League fixture.