1ST XV - Match center

Newbridge
Beddau Rugby Football Club
Sat 11 Mar 14:30 - League Full time

Injuries Take Their Toll As Bridge Grab Vital Win

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Home side grab lifeline as Green & Gold come up short at Welfare Ground.

Beddau came to life too late to rescue a game that a determined and hard working Newbridge had just about earned. Probably the hardest worked individual was referee Morgan Whitehead and, in the circumstances, the Caerphilly official did well in the face of some Newbridge tactics that threatened to overstep the cynical.

Some slipshod handling in Beddau`s defence early on led to a penalty at a breakdown. Simon Veall struck an upright but Newbridge were already in full cry and when Veall took a good pass from Garyn Lucas he linked with Jordan Howells whose long pass sent Rory Budina in for the try that Veall converted.

From this set back Beddau began to dominate proceedings and Newbridge lost a lock to the bin for persistent offending. Still Beddau were unable to make the breakthrough and it was Newbridge who struck again when Simon Veall spotted a gap and sent Jordan Howells and full back Tom Watkins on a counter attack which was again finished by Rory Budina with Simon Veall adding the points.

Hardly had Newbridge been restored to a full complement than flanker Luke Morgan blotted his copybook and was shown a yellow that was perhaps a little lenient. This time Beddau`s penalty to touch paid off when James Cashin crashed over from a forward drive. Hywel Chatham`s conversion struck the woodwork and half time arrived at 14-5.

An early penalty at the start of the second period saw Simon Veall find an excellent touch. The catch and drive was well-executed and lock Jacob Duffy scored with Veall again successful from the tee.

Beddau were running everything but some over-elaboration didn`t help and Newbridge`s no-nonsense defence was also an obstacle. Finally, replacement Gabe Davies made a half break and with Adam Ashford and Hywel Chatham in support Callum Wheeler took the final pass for a try that Chatham was unable to convert. Any thoughts Beddau may have had of building more pressure were short-lived. From a ball won at the top of a lineout Garyn Lucas set Scott Williams on a run and looped between his centres for an excellent try that Simon Veall ensured was worth seven points.

Cue some head scratching from Beddau who had done most of the attacking yet seen their opponents racking up the points. Again it was the visitors applying the pressure. A tap and go from Hywel Chatham should have sprung the defence but the unfortunate Adam Ashford saw the ball squirm from his grasp as he crossed the line. It couldn`t continue and soon right wing Andy Evans finished another attack with a try that Hywel Chatham converted and when Adam Ashford was given another opportunity he sped along the left touchline for a very good score. This kick was entrusted to the right boot of Callum Wheeler who obliged.

Time had run out when Beddau were penalised for holding on when in search of a winning score and Simon Veall booted the ball out of play.

It was a game that, with a more measured performance Beddau could, probably should, have won in a canter. As it was Newbridge had their resolve, determination and the skill of half backs Garyn Lucas and Simon Veall to thank for a hard fought victory.

Report by Lynn West

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