Gwernyfed Ladies 31 Bedlinog 0
AT last, after five weeks without matches the Gwernyfed faithful were treated to a game of rugby at Trefecca Road.
Bedlinog were the visitors as the Ladies started the second half of the season in a cup round robin competition. With the pitch showing the effects of the recent weather the game was never going to be a feast of open rugby but both sides worked hard to entertain the large crowd.
It was Gwernyfed who applied the early pressure taking the direct route with scrum half Rosie Jones finding strong runners in forwards Lily Snape and the ever improving Katie Priddle who continuously tore into the heart of the Bedlinog defence.
Quick ball allowed the backs to be released and when Gwernyfed threatened, it was hooker Rachel Morgan who touched down after 10 minutes, the score being well converted by outside half Jess Owen.
Despite playing in leagues lower than Gwernyfed, Bedlinog were solid in their defence and were happy to run the ball at all times. This proved to be the visitors’ undoing in that running from deep a spilt ball allowed Jones to find number eight Clara Stephens.
With plenty of work to do the Llandew dynamo stepped inside two defenders and powered over under a pile of bodies to record a five pointer, the score again converted by Owens.
Jones herself was next to score in similar fashion, with the aid of the back row forcing her way over. With Owens pinning Bedlinog back with some astute kicks and centres Rebecca Wrigley and Rhian Davies always looking dangerous, chances came but Bedlinog rallied and it took another twenty minutes until prop Lily Snape, involved in the Welsh Senior training squad this week, scored her customary try, yet again after fine direct running from Priddle.
With the gloom descending Gwernyfed kept their best try until the end when fine passing by the backs saw Rebecca Wrigley use her guile to put fellow centre Davies clear, she fed speedster Evie Jones and the young fullback outstripped the covering defence for a converted try under the posts to take the final score to 31-0 to the home side.
Home Coaches Snape and Kenchington were glad to see a game go ahead and with three new players making their debuts look forward to the remainder of the season.
The Bedlinog coach was rightly delighted with his teams performance against the home Premier Division side, their tackling and commitment being a major plus point throughout the game.