Bedwas stunned by Wizards comeback (From South Wales Argus)

Bedwas stunned by Wizards comeback

10:20am Monday 1st October 2012 in Sport

BEDWAS' quest to break the hoodoo and win at the Talbot Athletic Ground goes on after throwing away a healthy lead in what was, to use the cliché, a game of two halves, writes John Meredith.

Bedwas played into the wind in the first half and started quickly. They were a try up after just three minutes when a good run by centre Jack Dixon saw the ball slipped to Rhys Hutcherson for a try, Richard Powell missing the tricky conversion.

They doubled their lead a few minutes later, Dixon again at the heart of the move, this time finished off by scrum-half Tom Rowland.

It was all Bedwas at this stage, although Aberavon had a chance to get on the scoreboard but Craig Evans’ penalty shot went wide.

As Aberavon fought to get back into the game Powell finally found his range and landed a good penalty goal into the wind to put Bedwas 13-0 ahead.

Aberavon’s pack fought hard to get into the game but Bedwas defended well.

Powell missed a long-range penalty goal before a Bedwas mistake saw winger Richard Thomas gather a loose ball and sprint 60 metres for a try by the corner flag.

Evans missed with his conversion attempt, and just before the break Powell increased Bedwas’ lead with a penalty that made it 16-5.

Two minutes into the second half Powell put Bedwas further ahead before Evans landed a penalty for the home side.

The strong wind of the first half seemed to die down for the second half, and with it went Bedwas’ hopes as they ran out of ideas and allowed their hosts back into the game.

Aberavon scored a good try out wide by full back Jonathan Phillips, which Evans converted, and Aberavon were suddenly only four points behind.

Their pack, with fresh legs on the field, grew in dominance, forcing Bedwas into errors and wrong options.

Aberavon eased into the lead after 72 minutes, Bedwas’ scrum disintegrated and referee Perkins awarded a penalty try.

Evans added the simple conversion and the home side led for the first time in the game.

Bedwas responded with a good break down the right but Budina’s pass was correctly ruled forward and Bedwas’ hopes of a try evaporated.

With one minute left on the clock Bedwas earned a penalty in front of the posts which replacement Ethan Davies put over to tie the scores at 22-22.

There was still time for the Wizards to win the game courtesy of an Evans penalty after Bedwas were penalised at a ruck, leaving the visitors wondering what they must do to end their Talbot Athletic Ground hoodoo.