It was a clean sweep on the weekend with the 1st XV, Warriors and Youth all victorious. 

1st XV Match Report 

Bargoed travelled to play Llanelli Wanderers on Saturday knowing that last season the men from the west did the double over the Bulls in the league.

Bargoed started well and scored an early try from Ellis Shipp with a close range effort converted by Josh Prosser and they took the lead with 16 minutes gone. 

The Wanderers had a period of pressure which resulted in Bargoed conceding a couple of penalties and after 23 minutes they kicked a penalty to make it 7-3.

Bargoed conceded another penalty and they were punished as the home side kicked another penalty to make it 7-6. 

However Bargoed responded well with Ellis Shipp crashing over for his second try which was converted by Josh Prosser and Bargoed increased their lead to 14-6. 

The Wanderers hit back immediately when Bargoed failed to clear their lines and they scored and converted to cut the lead to 14-13

Bargoed got themselves some territory and had a couple of opportunities but didn’t manage to capitalise on this.

Bargoed again failed to clear their lines and this resulted in pressure from the hosts but Bargoed defended doggedly with the ball held up over the line.

Half time Bargoed 14 Llanelli Wanderers 13 

Bargoed had all the early pressure in the second half but good defence from the hosts kept them out. However Bargoed were awarded a penalty and Josh Prosser kicked it to increase their lead lead to 17-13. 

The Wanderers managed to get good field position and put the pressure on the Bulls, but the defensive effort was excellent. It looked like Bargoed would survive but a penalty was conceded and the hosts narrowed the gap to 17-16 with a successful penalty kick.

Bargoed again exerted pressure on the hosts and they remained patient to seize an opportunity and it was Josh Prosser who dropped a goal to increase their lead to 20-16.

Bargoed were now on top at scrum time and a penalty gave them a great platform to attack in the opposition half. 

Bargoed again remained focused on applying pressure and staying patient. They reaped the rewards when Ellis Shipp crossed for his hat trick with ten minutes to go. Bargoed increased the lead to 25-16.

The Wanderers were straight back on the attack but Bargoed’s defence was excellent with big defensive sets against multiple phases. 

Bargoed managed to clear the pressure but a missed line-out to let the hosts back in. However Bargoed’s defence was again well organised and repelled the attack.

The Bulls managed to force an error and they got field position deep in the hosts territory. They attacked looking for the bonus point, but it was too late as the Referee blew for full time with a final score of Bargoed 25 Llanelli Wanderers 16

The coaching staff will be pleased coming out on top in a tough battle, with this result against a side who did the double over Bargoed last season and will take some scalps this season. 

Warriors 

The Warriors travelled to Wattstown to take on the Athletic in a friendly. 

Bargoed struggled early on with the hosts going 14-0 up. However the Warriors got into their stride and played some great rugby. 

There were nine tries scored by the Warriors with 18 year old Morgan Mazzorelli getting a record breaking five tries. There were also tries for Joel Griffiths, Max Hill, Morgan Small, Adam Jones and Ben Jones added 14 points with the boot.

The Warriors came out on top
59-19 and will be pleased with the performance as they look to prepare for next week’s cup fixture. 

Youth 

The Youth also had a resounding win against a dogged Risca outfit coming out on top 59-15 in a Dragons League game.

There were tries from Joe Hughes, Jack Romais, Harvey Frayne, Shawn Davies, Kai Stephens, Tomos Jones and Rhys Wood, who also kicked 15 points with the boot. 

Next week the 1st XV take on Bonymaen in a rearranged fixture at Bargoed Park. 

The Warriors are home in the cup against Pontycymer and the Youth visit Blackwood in another Dragons League game.

Bargoed Briefs

There was a bye week for the 1st XV but there was plenty of action with the Youth entertaining local rivals Caerphilly at home and the Warriors taking on Bedwellty away.

– Bargoed Warriors –

There was a lot of excitement and anticipation in this local derby with a big crowd present for the season opener.

Bargoed started well and applied pressure early which saw Jayden Moon score a try after taking advantage of a defensive error to lead 5-0.

Bargoed increased the lead when hard working lock Rhys Davies crashed over and Charlie Williams converted to make it 12-0 at half time.

The exchanges were extremely physical as would be expected in a local derby. However the younger boys in the Warriors fronted up well, alongside the more experienced players.

Bargoed scored early in the second half with Christian Cuss scoring against his old club, and Charlie Williams converting to make it 19-0.

Bedwellty managed to get some possession and territory and were looking to use their big pack to give them opportunities through their tight game. However Bargoed’s defence was excellent both in the tight encounters and out wide.

The Warriors weathered the storm and started to play with more width and they broke away with Josh Michaels getting the bonus point try and then busy scrum half Max Hill scored after sniping from a ruck and got a deserved try with Charlie Williams converting.

Bargoed scored again late on with Morgan Mazzorelli scoring and Williams converting for a final score of 38-0 in what was a very physical game.

The Warriors had five 18 year olds playing who have transitioned this season from youth into senior rugby. They all acquitted themselves well with three of them scoring a try and the ones that didn’t, Morgan Meades and Connor Llewelyn had a real impact on the game.

It was also good to see experienced players like Aaron Elliott, Jason James, Adam Jones and Nathan Jones supporting the younger members of the team.

There were a few ex Bargoed players in action in the Bedwellty lineup, and great to see them still playing in the community game.

The battle on the field was tough but there was a great welcome in the club afterwards with both teams enjoying a well earned pint and having plenty of laughs.

– Youth –

Bargoed took Caerphilly on at Bargoed Park and got a deserved victory after an encouraging performance.

Bargoed scored four tries with Harvey Frayne, Tyler Rees and Jack Romais getting two tries.

Jack also won the Forward of the Match Award with Slayde Burchell winning the Back of the Match Award.

This week the 1st XV entertain Boymaen RFC and the Warriors face Oakdale RFC with both sides home in league games.

The Youth have a bye week in their league so they are looking for a game if anyone is interested.

Congratulations to Rhys Wood and Gabe Pugh who have represented the Dragons under 18’s in the recent Regional Age Grade Competition.

– –

It was a busy weekend at the club. On Friday evening the Gary Carver Lounge was opened in memory of our President Gary Williams with family and friends present and sharing stories of the great man, with plenty of tears and lots of laughter as we remembered a real legend of Bargoed RFC.

There was also a Volunteers Award Night on Saturday evening with deserved recipients Katy Thomas, Mandy McCarthy, Tony McCarthy and Geraint Stephens being recognised for their hard work and excellent service to the club.

There are more similar events planned with many more worthy recipients over the remainder of the season.

Bargoed RFC are extremely grateful to all of our volunteers who give up their time willingly to make rugby happen in our club and our community. Thanks to each and every one of you.

#OneClubOneCommunity.

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.

Apologies late entry. Website playing up last week.
1st XV Match Report 

Bargoed welcomed local rivals Newbridge to Bargoed Park in the final game of the Community Premiership programme. 

The visitors started well and after a period of early pressure they scored a converted try from a cross kick to lead 7-0. 

Bargoed had a couple of opportunities but weren’t clinical enough but they did manage to score a try from close range after 15 minutes with Morgan Edwards crashing over to close the gap to 7-5.

Newbridge scored next using their driving line-out to effect before moving the ball wide to score a try and make it 12-5 to the visitors. 

Newbridge got their third try in similar fashion to their previous try with a maul and cross kick and they now led 19-7 with 23 minutes gone. 

Bargoed responded well with the young guns Will Ford and Harvey Bryant linking up for Bryant to get a try which was converted by Ford. 

Bargoed 12 Newbridge 17 after 23 minutes. 

Newbridge increased the lead to 24-12 with  28 minutes gone after a clean break saw them score a converted try moments later. 

Bargoed were under pressure territorially and in the possession stakes and they conceded another penalty and received a yellow card. 

Bargoed defended valiantly but they had their backs to the wall and eventually the pressure applied by Newbridge saw them score a converted try before half time and lead 31-12 at the break. 

Bargoed started the second half with more purpose and were dominating territory and possession. This resulted in Newbridge conceding a yellow card. 

Bargoed went close a few times before Morgan Edwards got his second try to make it 31-17.

The visitors were patient and they hit back after a period of pressure they scored a converted try and increased the lead to 28-17 with 48 minutes gone. 

Bargoed were immediately on the attack from the kick off and excellent work saw them create a gap for speedster Harvey Bryant to go through and get his second try. Will Ford converted and it was Newbridge 38 Bargoed 24. 

Bargoed continued to work hard and made some changes and they were rewarded after a series of phase play with Adam Jones scoring to make it Newbridge 38 Bargoed 29 with 10 minutes to play. 

Bargoed continued to play with ball in hand against a tiring Newbridge pack. They managed to find space out wide and Toby Thomas was in support and took the final pass to score. Matthew Lewis converted to make it Bargoed 36 Newbridge 38 

The hosts had the upper hand and when Newbridge conceded a penalty Matthew Lewis narrowly missed from 45 metres. 

The visitors conceded another penalty a couple of minutes later, and this time Lewis kicked the penalty from a similar distance and Bargoed led 39-38 with 3 minutes left. 

Bargoed kicked long but Newbridge kept possession and worked their way up the field and into the Bargoed half.

Bargoed conceded a penalty at the breakdown and Newbridge took advantage to win the game with the last kick.

Final score Bargoed 39 Newbridge 41 

Photo Link Below.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipO5NDx0hmJ5FFPlnwOMPoq_cFb-PTklQF3GzyIlx0Z5O3ODOsCFwbAaI-TXsHYMEQ?key=dzhUc2FtUWNBcXZQZG84SlVmdHI5ci0xcDFJU0R3

Bargoed end the season in fifth place in the Community Premiership with 66 points and with 12 wins and 12 losses in an inconsistent season. 

They were cruelly defeated in the WRU Community Premiership Cup semi-final at Pontypridd in a tight encounter. 

We now look forward to a break with the players having some rest and recovery before a tough preseason for season 26-27.

Youth Report

It was a disappointing defeat for the Youth in the Dragons Cup Final at Rodney Parade on Saturday losing narrowly to Pontypool Utd. 

However the players and coaches can look back on a great season having worked hard and as a result they were crowned East Wales Premiership Champions. They were also losing semi finalists in the National Youth Cup cruelly losing in the last minute of the game.

Well done boys and for those of you moving into senior rugby good luck and enjoy it.

Photos Link for the Youth Final.

Bargoed Youth VS Pontypool-Dragon’s Cup Final by Gracie Davieshttps://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/5de51f2405af45a5af7619adc2d2915b

The Warriors travelled the short distance to Stade de Libunus to play Blackwood Stars in a Division East 5 top of the table clash, with both sides promoted. 

However this was also a clash between two sides fighting for the title as Champions. 

Bargoed were playing down the slope in the first half and scored early through a close range try from Ben Palmer to lead 5-0.

Bargoed increased the lead a few minutes later with impressive centre Luke Ellaway scoring a try and Brad Crossman converting to make it 12-0

The Stars had a period of pressure playing up the slope and were rewarded with a converted try to make it 12-7 with 20 minutes gone. 

Bargoed struck back though scoring a third try from hard carrying back rower Leon James who crashed over to increase The Warriors lead to 17-7. 

The Warriors were playing with more confidence in attack after a tough 30 mins against a physical and committed Stars side. 

This resulted in a try for Brad Crossman who scored a try and worked hard to get over the line for the bonus point try. Ben Jones converted and Bargoed led 24-7 at half time. 

The hosts started the second half down the slope and immediately applied pressure on Bargoed. However the defensive effort was excellent with great organisation, communication and commitment.

The Warriors transitioned from defence to attack to break out and score against the run of play with a try by James Chard against his previous team. He showed great power and determination to touch down and with Ben Jones converting this increased the lead to 31-7

The Stars hit back with a converted try to make it 31-12

Bargoed made some changes and they had a great impact bringing energy and work rate. Jake Thomas worked hard in the tight and loose and bagged two tries off the bench, both converted by Ben Jones to increase the lead to 45-12 and close the game out with a bonus point win. 

It was also great to see ex Bargoed 1st XV player Liam Matthews back playing, this time for the Stars on permit. 

The Warriors now have one final home game against Bettws on Saturday with the league already wrapped up,  and with Blackwood Stars also confirmed as runners up and promoted from Division 5 East.

1st XV Match Report
Bargoed travelled to play Newbridge at the Welfare Ground in glorious conditions.
Newbridge scored first after a chip and chase and they converted the try to lead 7-0 early on.
They increased their lead when Bargoed offended and they were 10-0 up with a penalty kick.
Bargoed had started a little slow but were playing some good rugby which resulted in the hosts conceding a penalty.
Bargoed opted for the line-out and after a series of drives in the Newbridge 22 it was Will Gregory who got the opening score with a try after 19 minutes. Matthew Lewis converted to close the gap to 10-7.

Bargoed were now on top and they scored again with Morgan Edwards crashing over from short range after 25 minutes. Bargoed led 12-10.
The Bulls conceded a penalty and Newbridge opted for a penalty to regain the lead 13-10 after 28 minutes.
Bargoed struck back immediately with Lewis Bates cutting a great line to score from 35 metres. Lewis converted and Bargoed led 17-13

Bargoed had a scrum in midfield and they moved the ball to Lewis Bates who scythed through with a clean break and a second try. Lewis converted and Bargoed led 25-13.

Newbridge hit back when a Bargoed error gave them an opportunity in the Bargoed half and they took it with a converted try.
Half time Bargoed 25 Newbridge 20
Bargoed started the second half well and were on the attack in the opposition 22 but an error saw them lose the ball then concede a penalty.
Newbridge had a period of pressure but Bargoed defended well and managed to hold the ball up over the line.
Bargoed received a yellow card and Newbridge again applied pressure but Bargoed managed to clear their lines.
Newbridge came back at Bargoed who received a second yellow card and were now down to 13 men.
Newbridge continued to try and score, and when a penalty was conceded a third yellow card was issued.
Bargoed’s defence finally cracked and the numerical difference in the field saw Newbridge score wide out.
The try was converted and the hosts took the lead 27-25.
Bargoed responded and stretched Newbridge with some great speed of ball. Matthew Lewis made a break and put Dylan Williams in for a try that Lewis converted to make it 31-27 with 8 minutes to go.

Bargoed conceded another penalty and this enabled Newbridge to kick to the corner and drive the line-out and they scored a try which was converted to make it 34-31
Bargoed again for themselves into a position to score when they were awarded a penalty but the Ref adjudged that it was a double movement and a penalty was conceded.
Newbridge closed the game out and Bargoed will reflect on what was a good performance in scoring five tries but ultimately poor discipline cost us the game.
Well done to 17 year old Harvey Bryant in making his debut and playing his first senior match in a back line where the average age was 23.
It was also great to see Charlie Williams rewarded for a series of great performance for the Warriors.
This week Bargoed travel to Llangennech for another tough away fixture.
Warriors Match Report
Bargoed travelled to Bettws to play their third game in seven days and with the title in sight there was a lot to play for.
There were tries from Chris Cuss, Luke Ellaway, Jason James, Josh Michael, Brad Crossman with a double, and five conversions from Ben Jones.
The Warriors came out on top with six tries and clinched the league title 40-5 against a dogged Bettws outfit.
They now look forward to their fourth game in ten days as they face second placed Blackwood Stars at Stade de Libunus on Wednesday. Well done the Warriors what a season!!

Youth Match Report
Bargoed came away with a close 26-25 victory by the narrowest of margins at Caldicot in the Dragons Cup Final.
There were tries for Regan Fleet, Aiden Carter and a double for Charlie Bennett the extras from Cody Jones with the boot.
Bargoed knew that the challenge of Caldicot would be significant with a number of regional age grade players in their ranks, against a side with no representatives in the side.
Bargoed now look forward to the final date TBC.
Well done to all the players and coaching staff, well deserved.

1st XV Match Report

The 1st XV took on Brecon on Saturday at Parc de Pugh.

Bargoed had the wind with them in the first half but they conceded a series of early penalties.

However when they attacked with ball in hand they looked dangerous. Bargoed turned the call over and good transition into attack saw Dylan Williams scythe through the hosts defence to score an excellent try. Josh Prosser converted to make it 7-0 with nine minutes gone.

Bargoed followed that up with an attack down the right and then they moved the ball wide to the left wing for Ashley Norton to score in the corner.

Prosser again converted and Bargoed led 14-0 after twelve minutes.

Bargoed continued to apply pressure on Brecon and were varying the game well. This paid off with Bargoed being awarded a penalty try as Brecon offended against Bargoed’s dominant scrum.

Bargoed now led 21-0 with fifteen minutes to half time.

There were a couple of yellow cards issued to both sides as Brecon looked to get a score before half time. Bargoed were up to the task in defence.

Bargoed scored early in the second half getting the bonus point try after good work from Dylan Williams put James Leadbeater over for a try to increase Bargoed’s lead.

There were changes made on both sides and opportunities were created by both as the game swung back in Brecon’s favour with a converted try after fifty five minutes, as they looked to use the wind and close the gap.

Brecon scored again a few minutes later with a converted try and it was now Bargoed 28 Brecon 14.

Brecon continued to probe for another score but a combination of good defence and hard work from Bargoed repelled any attacks.

Bargoed got the fifth try after good work by Toby Thomas and Josh Prosser put Ashley Norton over for his second try.

The final score was Bargoed 33 Brecon 14.

Bargoed will be pleased with the result through a good performance, as they look to have a strong finish to the season.

Warriors Match Report

The Warriors faced Brecon Athletic on the following day in the Division 5 Cup Final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Brecon took an early lead with a converted try and kicked a penalty to lead 8-0.
Bargoed slowly got into their rhythm and applied serious pressure on Brecon.

Bargoed’s lack of accuracy cost them though as they were held up over the line and on another occasion they knocked the ball on close to the line.

There were a couple of incidents where Bargoed were unfortunate with Luke Ellaway being penalised for no release as he went for the line.

Bargoed were also hard done by that they were not awarded a try with Aaron Elliot grounding the ball but the match officials were unsighted.

Bargoed received a yellow card on the stroke of half time and Brecon led 8-0 in a tight encounter with everything to play for.

The second half saw Luke Ellaway make an early line break. He was hauled down yards from the line but Bargoed failed to capitalise on this, and Brecon managed to clear their lines.

Brecon then had a period of pressure and used their scrum to good advantage and after a couple of phases they scored in the corner to increase the lead to 13-0.

Brecon scored again shortly after in the other corner as Bargoed were on the back foot after fifty two minutes.

Bargoed were struggling to get a foot hold in the Brecon half as Brecon cleared with some effective kicking.

Brecon scored again where some poor defence resulted in Brecon scoring a fourth try after fifty six minutes.

Bargoed were working hard to get some territory and a great kick from Charlie Williams with a 50-22 gave them an opportunity.

Excellent approach work from Harvey Jones saw Leon James crash over for a try from short range after sixty two minutes.

This cut the gap and gave Bargoed some hope with time on the clock. However an error resulted in a Brecon scrum and they attacked down the short side and scored their fifth try, which was converted to increase Brecon’s lead to 30-5 after sixty six minutes.

Bargoed went back on the attack with Charlie Williams giving them a great opportunity with another 50-22 kick.

Bargoed attacked going wide but an error saw the ball go loose and Brecon kicked ahead and got another try which was converted to make it 39 – 5 with eleven minutes left.

Bargoed had an opportunity to close the gap with another excellent kick from Charlie Williams going deep into the Brecon 22, but they didn’t convert this into points.

Brecon worked their way up the field and when Bargoed were penalised they kicked to the corner and after some close range efforts they scored to make it 42-5.

Bargoed showed real character and got themselves into the Brecon 22 and went close to scoring a couple of times but then decided to go wide and cruelly the ball was intercepted and Brecon went the length of the field with a converted try.

The final score was 49-5 to Brecon. Bargoed will be disappointed that they didn’t convert a lot of pressure into points, and this young side will
learn from this experience. The score certainly didn’t reflect the game but Brecon were deserving winners with another four games excellent second half performance.

The Warriors will be proud of the effort as they worked hard all game, but they know that if they had been more clinical the game was definitely in the balance between two quality sides.

The Warriors will lick their wounds and focus their efforts on winning the league with another four games to be played in the next two weeks.

The Warriors are back in action at home against Trinant on Wednesday evening at Bargoed Park, and they then face Bettws away on Saturday in the league.

The 1st XV travel to play Newbridge on Saturday and the Youth face Caldicot in a Dragons Cup semi-final

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.

There were two big games on the weekend with the 1st XV entertaining Cardiff Met in a WRU Community Premiership tie and The Warriors facing Dunvant Athletic at Glynneath RFC in the semi final of the WRU Division 5 Cup.

1st XV Report 

Bargoed started well playing against the wind, with Lewis Robey and Will Gregory prominent in carrying hard. However it was Cardiff Met that slowly got the territorial advantage as Bargoed conceded a couple of penalties. The students took advantage of this and led 6-0 after 25 minutes. 

Bargoed were playing some good attacking rugby but made a few errors and failed to capitalise on this good work. 

The Met then managed to get a foothold in the Bargoed 22 through poor defence from the hosts. This led to a period of pressure and a cross field kick saw the Met score and increase their lead with a converted try after 31 minutes. 

It was the students that went in at half time 13-0 up. 

Bargoed retained possession and slowly started to turn the screw on the students with Rhys Thomas being hauled down close to the line. 

Bargoed continued to stretch the Met and it was hard working back rower Rhys Stephens who scored, opening Bargoed’s account with Josh Prosser adding the extras to make it 13-7 after 48 minutes. 

The hosts were now on top and dominating territorially with huge pressure on the Met. However there was a scuffle and one player from each side was red carded but the Referee. 

Bargoed made some changes with the bench providing good impact as we entered the last quarter. 

Bargoed maintained the pressure on the students and it was Rhys Stephens who scored under the posts, with Prosser converting. The hosts took the lead 14-13 for the first time. 

Bargoed continued to look for the next score with a mix of hard yard carries which enabled them to get quick ball. 

Bargoed got their third try through some clever work by Josh Prosser that enabled Ashley Norton to score wide out. This was superbly converted by Prosser after 63 minutes and Bargoed now lead 21-13

Cardiff Met weren’t finished though and were immediately back on the attack but Bargoed defended superbly and nullified the threat, to close the game out. 

New Head Coach Aled James and the coaching staff will be pleased with the result after a few weeks without playing. 

They look forward to next week and the challenge of Merthyr RFC away at the Wern. 

There are seven games left for the 1st XV who will be looking to build on Saturday’s performance as they aim to move up from their current place in fifth position in the league, with a couple of games in hand on those above them. 

Warriors Match Report 

The Warriors travelled to Glynneath RFC to face the challenge of Dunvant Athletic in the semi final of the WRU National Division 5 Cup. 

The Warriors started slowly playing up the slope and into the wind. 

It was clear early on that there were two different game plans with Dunvant using their big pack against Bargoed’s more expansive style. 

Dunvant started well and scored two tries in the first fifteen minutes but Bargoed responded well with a try from Greg Callow and a conversion from Charlie Williams. 

The Warriors then took the lead 14-10 with Adam Jones scoring a try and a conversion from Williams.

They increased their lead with  Charlie Williams converting another penalty to lead 17-10 at half time. 

The second half started with the Warriors applying pressure on Dunvant and they conceded a penalty with Charlie Williams increasing their lead to 20-10. 

Dunvant struck back with a well taken try in the corner to close the gap to 20-15. 

The Warriors responded well and applied huge pressure by dominating territory and possession. Charlie Williams converted that into points with another penalty to lead 23-15. 

The Warriors continued to build on this with Morgan Small and Jason James causing problems for Dunvant with their powerful ball carrying and physicality.

This hard work resulted in Josh Michaels deservedly scoring the Warriors third try to make it 28-15. 

The Warriors made some changes and they continued to strangle Dunvant which resulted in two more penalties being awarded that Charlie Williams converted into points. 

The Warriors were now well on top as Dunvant tired and Leon James scored the final try with Williams again converting to make the final score 41-15. 

The coaching staff will be pleased by the performance and the result with Dunvant providing good opposition and a real physical challenge for the Warriors. 

This was an outstanding team effort but there were some great individual performances from Morgan Small, Charlie Williams, Harvey Jones and Josh Michaels. 

They now look forward to facing the challenge of Brecon Athletic in the final at the Principality Stadium on 19 April. 

However the Warriors are also in the hunt for the league with four games left, and a key game on the horizon against Blackwood Stars who sit in second place behind the them. 

Big thanks to the bus loads of supporters that provided great support to the Warriors on Saturday.

Bargoed RFC have lost a great servant in the Little Big Man, Alan Jones who sadly passed away recently. Alan had been a member of the Bargoed RFC Committee for many years.

Alan worked hard in various roles as an extremely valued volunteer. He was small in stature but he was a huge character, and a great organiser.

There were a couple of examples of this, one was his position as the leisure wear co-ordinator for the club for a number of years.

Alan was instrumental in Bargoed RFC securing a deal to supply the club with Pringle jumpers due to our long standing relationship with Hawick Quins in Scotland. 

He was also the organiser of the annual golf trips down west. These events were a great success and these continued for many years.

However,  he did so much more helping out with numerous jobs and tasks on match days and at the club. 

Alan’s family were all great supporters of Bargoed RFC and his legacy lives on with his son Paul being the current Chair of the Bargoed RFC Supporters Club. 

There is a plan to hold an Annual Golf Memorial Day to remember Alan and carry on the tradition that he would have loved in a Bargoed RFC golf day. 

Bargoed RFC were also saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Nichol who was a stalwart of our friends at Hawick Harlequins. 

Phil was a great friend of Bargoed RFC and a key figure in the relationship between the two clubs.

There was a huge turnout for his funeral recently with representatives from Bargoed RFC travelling north to attend Phil’s funeral.

He was an extremely popular man and well known in Scotland as a real rugby man. 

We have also been informed of the death of another Hawick Quins character, Les Jarvis. He played against Bargoed many times over the years and was a regular in the Quins side in the 90’s as a tough as teak prop. 

Both had many friends at Bargoed RFC and they will both be sadly missed. 🏉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿