News

Bargoed Briefs 

The 1st XV travelled to Cyncoed, Cardiff to face Cardiff Met RFC in a top of the table clash with the students currently sitting at the top, with a six point lead. 

The game started at a frenetic pace and Morgan Edwards crashed over for a try for Bargoed with only two minutes on the clock, which Josh Prosser converted.

The host struck back after Bargoed conceded a penalty which they converted to make it 7-3. 

Bargoed got their second try after good work from wing Dai Evans and powerful carrying from Keiron Brown, created space and they moved the ball wide for Ollie Andrews to slice through and score. Prosser again converted to make it 14-3. 

Cardiff Met hit back when Bargoed got caught short in defence and a cross kick to the wing and good interplay saw them score a converted try to narrow the gap to 14-10.

Bargoed scored next with the pack working hard in the opposition 22 and Morgan Edwards was the provider this time putting skipper James Leadbeater in at the corner to make it 19-7.

The hosts kicked another penalty to make it 19-10 before Bargoed incredibly got their bonus point try  after 20 minutes. 

Bargoed attacked off a scrum and excellent work by the inside backs created space for Dylan Williams to carve out a great try which was converted by Josh Prosser and the visitors led 26-10.

Cardiff Met responded well and managed to get a foothold in the Bulls 22. Bargoed defended well but the students showed great patience and scored in the corner after a multi phase attack, and narrowed the lead to 26-15 at half time.

Jordan Howells replaced Dai Evans at half time and Ollie Andrews moved to the wing. 

Bargoed lost Owain Cooper to injury early in the second half and with a reshuffle up front as well, Jason James replaced him in the back row.

The second half saw the Met score first with a good carry and try, but Bargoed will be disappointed to concede at such a crucial time through poor defence. The try was converted and Bargoed led 26-22.

Cardiff Met seemed to have the momentum now and kicked a penalty to make it a one point game with Bargoed leading 26-25.

Cardiff Met were looking dangerous but Bargoed’s defence held firm after a couple of great defensive sets, and they managed to clear their lines. 

The Met created some opportunities but once again hard work in defence from Bargoed prevented them from scoring. 

The hosts conceded a penalty and Josh Prosser converted it to increase Bargoed’s lead to four points.

Jordan Howells and Jason James brought great energy off the bench and both impressed with their carrying game. 

Bargoed continued to apply pressure on the students. Good approach work enabled Matthew Lewis to put Ashley Norton away to score in the corner after 48 minutes to make it 34-25.

Bargoed were now in the driving seat and when the students conceded another penalty Prosser increased the lead to 37-25 with 53 minutes gone. 

Bargoed made some changes with Kyle Bailey, Lewys Lippiett and Tom Bainton coming off the bench. 

Josh Prosser kicked another penalty to increase the lead, but the students continued to play high tempo rugby. 

They looked to attack and close the gap to get a losing bonus point try. However, they failed to penetrate Bargoed’s defensive line in the closing minutes. 

The game ended with Bargoed victorious 40-25 but credit to both sides in a game that saw great commitment to play positive attacking rugby. It was a great advert for National Championship rugby with eight tries scored in a high tempo and high quality game. 

The Bargoed RFC Supporters Man of the Match Award was given jointly to Josh Prosser with an impressive 15 point haul with the boot, and hard working and dynamic back rower Lewis Robey, who both excelled.

Bargoed will be pleased with the bonus point victory, and to be able to close the gap at the top of the table to one point, with a couple of games in hand. 

However as Bargoed know, there are no easy games in the Championship and we have a couple of tough ones coming up in the next two weeks. Newbridge RFC visit Bargoed Park on 2 March, and the Bulls then travel to Cardiff to play St Peters RFC on 9 March. 

The Warriors play Division 3 side Nantyglo RFC in a friendly on Thursday 22 February at Rhymney RFC War Memorial Park. 7.15 pm kick off.

Come along and support the boys. 

We are waiting on confirmation of the re-arranged WRU Plate Quarter Final for the Youth v Ebbw Vale, which was postponed on Saturday due to an unplayable pitch.