The day clubs up and down Wales dream of – National Finals Day – kicked off as Bedwas took on Trebanos in a sunlit stadium. Trebanos were hoping for an upset against a Bedwas side who have lost just three times all season.
Trebanos opened the scoring through an Edwards penalty just after the 10-minute mark, as nerves and mistakes dominated the opening exchanges between the sides.
They extended their lead after 16 minutes through some fantastic attacking rugby, which left Iestyn Lewis free on the left to score the first try of the game.
The try was converted, through an outstanding kick from almost the left touch line by Matthew Davies, who was clearly not letting the occasion get to him.
Trebanos were rising to the occasion all over the pitch, as Rhys Harris’ kick for touch fell just short of Bedwas’ try line. However, Bedwas held firm and Trebanos had to settle for another penalty to extend their lead to 13-0 after just 20 minutes.
Bedwas regrouped in a huddle as the kick was taken, as a serious showing of character was needed to get a foothold in the final. They were made to wait until the 30th minute for their first points, after faly half Dion McIntosh superbly kicked a penalty.
Feeling their way into the game, Bedwas piled on the pressure with great reward, as their first try was scored by Mike Dacey however Trebanos went in at half time with a five-point lead, but the momentum was undoubtably with Bedwas.
The first 15 minutes of the second half saw defences prevail, as the gap remained at just five points despite chances for both sides. Bedwas closed the gap to just two points through two McIntosh penalties with just over 20 minutes left to play, giving them a one-point lead.
Matthew Edwards of Trebanos celebrates kicking the match winning points
With the scores at 14-13, a tense final quarter was on the cards.
In a game of twists and turns, the tables turned yet again. Josh Ferriman sidestepped a Bedwas defender, and with a punch of the air found himself through to put Trebanos back ahead.
The resulting conversion left them six points ahead with just seven minutes left to play.
Bedwas hit back almost immediately, as replacement Liam Jenkins scored, followed by an outstanding conversion from McIntosh to restore Bedwas’ one-point lead.
However, with just one minute left to play, Edwards stepped up with the hopes of Trebanos weighing heavy on his shoulders. He slotted the penalty straight down the middle, giving Trebanos a hard fought victory.
