Rugby: Bedlinog take title

Apr 24 2008 Merthyr Express

BEDLINOG have clinched back-to-back championships – without losing a single match.

A hard-fought 23-20 victory over Old Illtydians gave the Foxes the Division Three South East title in front of their own supporters on Saturday.

Last night (Wednesday) they had the chance to celebrate their success and keep their unbelievable unbeaten record going at home to Gilfach Goch.

Up to last night they were 45 games without defeat, spanning three seasons.

Their cause on the weekend was helped when closest rivals Tylorstown lost away to Llantwit Fardre, giving the Foxes an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

But they had to hold off an impressive fightback from the visitors, who had gone into the break 25-6 down.

Bedlinog started the game in determined mood and had the better of the early exchanges, launching several attacks on the visitors’ line, but stern defence from the Cardiff outfit kept the first score at bay.

Indeed, it was the visitors who were first to put points on the board through a penalty and a well-taken drop-goal by full-back Jamie Jones, giving them a 6-0 lead.

This was cut when Bedlinog finally breached their opponents’ stubborn defence, prop Lee Bennett finishing off a good phase of play by diving over in the corner for a try.

That went unconverted, making the score 6-5 to the visitors.

Soon after, the Foxes were in front. From a ruck the ball was secured by the home eight on the opposition 22. It was then fed to outside-half Richard Heath, who swerved and dummied his way to the line for a fine individual try, which was converted by Geraint Edmunds to give Bedlinog a 12-6 lead.

The rest of the half was all Bedlinog, two further penalties were converted by Edmunds and just before the break the crowd were treated to a popular score when skipper Carl Giles powered his way over for a try near the posts.

Edmunds added the kick to give the Foxes what was thought to be a comfortable 25-6 lead at half time.

The second half saw a remarkable fight back from Old Illtydians.

Although Bedlinog looked the stronger of the two sides the youngsters lost their way through naivety and inexperience, and squandered several scoring chances.

As a result they could not close the game out and put the game beyond their opposition’s reach.

The more experienced Cardiff side, however, turned their limited pressure into points and scored two converted tries during the half.

This left the Foxes defending desperately towards the end of the game which they did admirably, securing the well-deserved win and starting off the celebrations in the knowledge that they were champions.