Brynley Toms and his Bedwas teammates got the second part of the season off to A 15 - 13 winning start they yearned as five Richard Powell Penalty Goals and a tremendous resilience shown by the entire fifteen kept Ebbw out when at times under siege.
The home side dominated possession early doors but Bedwas were in no mood to yield any points. Home outside half Josh Lewis had first opportunity for points with a straight kick from halfway, his kick went wide which set the tone for this well thought of youngster who had an afternoon with the boot he’ll want to forget.
Conversely Richard Powell whose first attempt at goal from probably 40 metres sailed through the posts and thereafter was successful with every kick he took.
The heavy pitch and greasy ball made it tricky for both sides to carve any openings from running the ball. Ebbw continued to keep Bedwas on the back foot and just after the half hour opened the scoring from a driving maul as Ronnie Kynes was eventually bundled over in what was a very familiar sight last season. Lewis converted but there were a few puzzled looks from Bedwas supporters who thought the ball went wide.
Bedwas responded instantly and Powell gratefully accepted another penalty chance to reduce arrears to a solitary point as the whistle blew for halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Ebbw dominated possession and territory but it was Bedwas who accumulated points via Richard Powell penalties on 44, 55 and 64 minutes.
Bedwas replaced the two starting props on 65 minutes, three minutes later Ebbw notched their second try as replacement Jack Goodey charged through; the try being awarded even though he appeared to drop the ball as he crossed the line. Crucially Lewis missed the conversion.
With the deficit reduced to three points Ebbw through everything they could muster at Bedwas, wave after wave of attacks were repelled as Bedwas dug in and everyone played an important part in maintaining the slender lead.
This was not without its heart stopping moments with the home faithful screaming for a yellow card for an alleged tip tackle but the match officials couldn’t decide who the culprit was and awarded a penalty. Lewis was again off target with his attempt.
With the clock running down the home side were awarded another penalty chance and rather than kick it to claim a draw decided to run the ball to try and win the game but Bedwas held firm to clinch a vital win.
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