It was the Wizards’ first win of the season and head coach Simon King will be hoping the manner of their comeback will see them push up the table from now on in.
Playing into the wind in the first-half, Bedwas started quickly and were a try up after three minutes. A good run by centre Jack Dixon saw the by the ball slipped to Rhys Hutcherson who went over for a try.
The visitors doubled their lead a few minutes later, Dixon again at the heart of the move this time finished off by scrum half Tom Rowlands. Powell’s kick again missed the target but it was all Bedwas at this stage, Aberavon’s only chance to get on the scoreboard saw Craig Evans put a penalty shot went wide.
As Aberavon fought to get back into the game Powell finally found his range and landed a difficult penalty 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.
Just before the half time whistle Powell increased Bedwas’s lead with a well struck penalty after Aberavon were penalised at a ruck.
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 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 courtesy of fullback Jonathan Phillips. Evans converted and Aberavon were suddenly only four points behind. With fresh legs on the field, their pack grew in dominance, forcing Bedwas into errors and wrong options.
Aberavon eased into the lead after 72 minutes, Bedwas’s 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 Rory Budina’s pass was correctly ruled forward and the home side’s hopes of a try evaporated. With one minute left on the clock Bedwas earnt 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 though courtesy of an Evans penalty. After Bedwas were penalised at a ruck, Evans did the rest to leave Bedwas wondering what they must do to break the hoodoo the Talbot Athletic Ground seems to have over them.
