Tondu and Bedwas win through in cup thrillers

Llanharan 22-22 Tondu (Tondu go through on try count 3-2)

 

Tondu progressed to the second round of the SWALEC Cup in dramatic fashion after a Matt Murphy penalty, the last kick of the game, drew them level to take them through on try count at the expense of Llanharan.

 

With the score at 22-19 Tondu were penned back on their own try line before turning over the ball and launching a scintillating attack which resulted in a penalty well within range and Murphy was the calmest man in Dairy Field.  

 

Three first half penalties from LLanharan kicker Codey Rees had earlier cancelled out Gareth Lindenburn’s try, sending the Dairymen into the break leading 9-7.

 

Rhys Walker added a try for LLanharan and Ashton Evans for the visitors but it was a tale of two kickers. Codey Rees added a try to his four penalties to propel Llanharan into what seemed like an unassailable lead.

 

Man of the match Matt Murphy scored Tondu’s third but it seemed in vain as the hosts were camped on the Waterwheeler’s line.

 

With nothing to lose Tondu moved the ball quickly on their own line and broke down the pitch to win the vital penalty. Murphy took his points tally to 12 as he fired Tondu into the second round.

 

Bargoed 15-16 Bedwas

 

Bedwas held on to progress to Round 2 with a narrow 15-16 win at Bargoed Park. The hosts opened the scoring through Josh Prosser just two minutes in but Bedwas hit back with two Richard Powell penalties to give Bedwas a 6-5 lead.

 

Kyle Haiden extended Bedwas’ lead but Josh Prosser hit back with an interception try to close the gap and send his team into the interval just 1 point behind at 12-13.

 

Prosser once again appeared to have saved his side with a penalty giving the home side a 15-13 lead but it was not to be for Prosser or Bargoed. A late Richard Powell penalty gave Bedwas back their slender advantage and they were able to hold on to secure their place in the next round.