News

 

There was only one game at the weekend for Bargoed RFC with Tata Steel RFC visiting Bargoed Park in a WRU National Championship match.

 

Bargoed made a number of changes, with a host of players currently out of action through injury, providing opportunities for some of the younger members of the squad alongside a few more experienced players.

 

Family connections youth and great defence were the key themes of the day.

 

Bargoed took the opportunity to blood some of the up and coming talent in the club with current 18 year old youth players Corey Ireland and Rhys Davies making their senior 1st XV debuts. alongside a couple of other youth graduates. This included 19 year old Dylan Rogers, making his debut, following in the footsteps of his grandfather in playing for Bargoed 1st XV.

 

There were also opportunities for young scrum half Chad Powell and 19 year old back rower Charlie Davies who was featuring in the back row, after injury has hampered his progress this season.

 

It was also a great day for the Jones family with the three brothers, Steffan, Calum and Ben all in the starting lineup for Bargoed. Youngest brother Ben deservedly made his debut for the 1st XV after playing consistently well for the Warriors.

 

They were all following in the footsteps of the older Jones boys, with Dad Huw also playing with his two brothers Hywel and Stuart in the 1st XV  many years ago.

 

Bargoed started well but failed to capitalise on the pressure applied in the visitors 22. Tata brought plenty of energy and commitment to the party and troubled the Bulls in the contact area which resulted in ball being slowed up and a lack of penetration in attack.

 

Bargoed did open the scoring though when a clever cross kick from skipper Steff Jones found back rower Keaton Davies who touched down wide out. Jones converted and the hosts lead 7-0.

 

Bargoed increased the lead when hard working wing Adam Jones got the second try which was converted again by Jones.

 

Tata Steel hit back and closed the gap with a converted interception try to make it 14-7.

 

Bargoed continued to get on the front foot and after some good approach work it was Charlie Davies who crossed for a try which Jones converted to lead 21-7 at half time.

 

The second half saw Bargoed create a few chances but not execute when required. There appeared to be lack of cohesion in attack, possibly because of the number of changes in the squad. However credit to the visitors who scrambled well and frustrated Bargoed. The defence from both sides was good which resulted in a stalemate and this was a theme of the second half.

 

Bargoed can be proud of their work rate and resilience in defence, which they had in spades. This bizarrely resulted in no points being scored in the second half and Bargoed winning with a final score of 21-7.

 

Bargoed will be pleased with the result but not the whole performance when they review the game, against a physical and dogged Tata Steel outfit. There is no doubt that the visitors are moving in the right direction and have improved immeasurably through the season.