Fixture

In the third and final pre-season fixture Beddau at least recorded a win.  It could, probably should, have been more but Cilfynydd were never going to make things easy.  The noisy away supporters made a welcome contribution to the atmosphere and the combative Bumblebees certainly fed from their enthusiasm.  Some of the niggle occasionally went a little over the top and the leniency of Tonypandy referee Neil Pruitt was tested.

Some first choice Beddau players were unavailable and permits were obtained for loose head Sam Scanlon from Pentyrch and inside centre Dane Clancy from Abercrave.  Clancy is awaiting confirmation of a transfer as he has recently moved into the area.  Both did well.  There were eye-catching performances from current Youth players Luke Jones at scrum half and the highly impressive centre Cameron Ellis.  Ellis has secured a place at Hartpury College, though, an institution with as high a reputation for its academic achievements as for its prowess on the rugby field and whether Cameron will be allowed much time at Beddau in the season is a moot point.

Little was seen of James Davies last season as he successfully negotiated a busy career path but here he picked up where he had left off and was on hand to add the pace to a threatening move that he finished in the corner.  Jordan Goodwin had won a lineout at the tail and Hywel Chatham straightened the line before releasing Davies for the score.

From a counter attack young Cilfynydd flanker Dafydd Smith charged down a kick and was quick and nimble enough to gather the bouncing ball for a try that was converted by Ian Wride from a wide angle.

James Davies ran speedily to set up a position in the Cilfynydd 22 and when scrum half Luke Jones tip-toed through for a try a senseless assault from Cil opposite number Luke Reilly finally persuaded Mr Pruitt to produce a yellow card.  Hywel Chatham converted the try.

It was not long before the playing resources were evened when Beddau lock Ben White saw yellow for holding down at the tackle.  In light of what had gone before this seemed a slightly harsh decision though probably followed the laws to the letter.

It was 12-7 at half time but within minutes Luke Jones ran in a solo try that Hywel Chatham converted to provide some daylight at 19-7.  Changes were made and with Cilfynydd producing little a great deal of the energy had gone from the game.  Suddenly, Cilfynydd outside half Sam Edwards, a former Green and Gold, cut the defence and his link-up play developed a gap for the replacement Cilfynydd centre to finish a very good score.  The try was unconverted but Cil now had their tails up and though not being particularly threatening ended the game in Beddau territory.

There were times in the game where Beddau developed some promising and satisfying situations but there was never any sustained period of consistency.  Cilfynydd had a lot to do with that and Beddau will be mindful that there are gaps yet o be filled.  The WRU Championship starts next week with the visit of a perennial top 3 side when the Otters of Narberth come calling.