A BRACE of tries by Bedwas full back Mathew John and another by wing Rory Budina enabled their side to record a hard-earned Swalec Cup victory over a rugged Pontypool outfit, although Pooler gave their more experienced opponents a real test in the second half, writes Geoff Champion.

John burst over for tries in the fourth and 31st minutes while Budina sealed the victory with another touchdown 12 minutes from the end. Outside half James Dixon converted John’s first try and Budina’s touchdown.

Centre SioneTu’ipulotu barged his way over for Pooler’s only try two minutes after the restart while clever outside half Tom Hancock kicked two penalty goals – one in each half.

But, hard as they tried, the home side could not quite match the attacking edge of Bedwas behind the scrum in which inside half Luke Crane and centre Adam Williams were always prominent along with the effective John.

This Swalec Cup round one match had been postponed a week previously because of the bad weather.

High-flying Welsh Championship side Pontypool were relishing the prospect of testing their strength against Bedwas who they hope to join in the Principality Premiership league next season.

Bedwas will now visit Carmarthen Quins in round two on Saturday, February 6 Bedwas took the lead after just four minutes of play when a powerful forwards surge enabled inside half Luke Crane to move the ball to the left for Mathew John to crash over for a try which Dixon converted.

Both teams were reduced to 14 men in the 16th minute when home flanker Rob Nash and his counterpart George Lee were sent to the sin-bin after a harmless-looking scuffle.

Soon after another outbreak of off-the-ball resulted in both sides receiving a general warning from referee Mr. Gareth John.

Play continued to be scrappy in the greasy underfoot conditions with both teams spilling the ball as they tried to move the ball wide. Hancock eventually capitalised on some good home pressure by kicking a straight 30 metres penalty goal.

Bedwas looked sharper in attack and a smart bout of passing ended with Mathew John crossing for his second try. Dixon failed with the conversion.

Trailing12-3 Pooler realised they needed to close the gap quickly but Hancock was unlucky when the ball struck an upright.

Pooler showed plenty of courage in the second period and they will take heart from the performance of their pack as they continue their drive to win promotion to the Principality Premiership.

Scorers: Pontypool – Try: S Tu’ipulotu, Pens: T. Hancock (2) Bedwas – Tries: M. John (2) R. Budina; Cons: J. Dixon (2)

Pontypool:J. Hurley (C. Gullis 69); N. Brooks, P. Lewis, S. Tu’ipulotu, R. Usher; T. Hancock (S. Mills 69), R. Dyer; J. Popple (B. Parry 40), J. Jeune,capt.R. Harford (G. Harris 65), M. Thomas, E. Ferriman, G. Rusby- Davies, R. Nash (N. Hudd 51) and J. Williams.

Bedwas: M. John; R. Budina, A. Williams, M. Callow, A. Evans; J. Dixon, L. Crane (T. Rowlands 61); D. Preece, capt.( B. Toms 54), R. Wilkes (A. Rees 54), M. Pettit ( K. Jenkins 54), G. Edmunds (G. Williams 72), S. Feehan, (R. Verley 61) J. Sawyer, G. Lee and A. Waite.

Referee: Mr. Simon Rees (WRU)

Man of the match:Mathew John (Bedwas)