Blake pulls up trees for Bedwas

The Bridge Field outfit began the season with a narrow 13-18 defeat to Pontypridd but finished the month of September on a roll with three consecutive victories, inflicting the only defeat on high-flying Merthyr so far this season, with a convincing 37-19 win.
 
Also a handy cricketer, the tree surgeon has flourished at grass roots level and has already become a dominant force in the Bedwas pack.
 
The 21-year-old grew up in Talybont in Powys, started playing for Brecon Juniors then moved up to Merthyr Youth under Craig Dummett’s tutelage. He then went travelling to Australia before Dummett offered him a place at Bedlinog with a chance to work for club sponsor, Smerdons. Since his return, he hasn’t looked back.
 
While playing for Bedlinog last season, he had his first taste of rugby with Bedwas in the Foster’s Cup and signed on the dotted line in the summer because of the ‘good vibe’ he felt at the club.
 
As a tree surgeon, Blake has a head for heights and he is hoping his rugby career matches his ambitions.
 
“The Foster’s Cup eased me in a bit last season, but the Premiership is definitely a step up. I’ve gone from Division 1 rugby to the Premiership and had to adapt quite quickly. It’s a lot quicker and more structured, but with great coaching, I’m enjoying the challenge.
 
“Our plan at Bedwas is definitely to be in top eight at the halfway point of the season. On a personal note, I would like to think I could turn pro. It would be nice to take things a step further but I’m happy with my rugby at the moment and with the way things are going.”
 
Bedwas head coach Steve Law has no doubt his young back row has all the ingredients to make it in the big time.
 
“Robson is a young man with a god given talent, he’s got skill and been very effective in what we have achieved so far this season,” he said. “When he plays well we have been able to play off him and achieved what we have wanted.
 
“If one of the regions invested in Robson Blake my opinion is he would be a top class player and he definitely has the standard to become a professional rugby player,” he added.
 
Deborah Rowley, Principality Building Society’s Caerphilly branch senior customer consultant, said: “Bedwas have made a good start to the season and Robson’s performances have helped them reach the top half of the Principality Premiership  table. We wish him best of luck for the rest of the season. ”
 
Robson Blake Factfile
Club: Bedwas
Position: Back row / second row
Dob: 15.5.95, Newport
Nickname: Baby Bus
First club: Brecon RFC, (Juniors,  Merthyr Youth)
Education: Llangynidr Primary, Crickhowell High
Occupation: Tree surgeon with Smerdons
Biggest inspiration: Brecon junior coaches and Craig Dummett  
Most admired rugby players: Talupe Faletau, Ryan Jones