07/09/2026
The Weekend Review
The Green & Golds fight back to start with a win in what was a great start to the new campaign.
It was a winning start to the new season for Beddau’s 1st XV and Colliers on Saturday, while the Athletic and Youth were left without a game following postponements at the request of their respective opposition.
1st XV: Bedwas 20–26 Beddau
Beddau opened their Admiral Community Premiership campaign with a hard-earned 26–20 victory away at Bedwas, producing an excellent second-half comeback after finding themselves 17–5 behind at the interval.
The Green & Golds were below par during the opening 40 minutes, but plenty of credit must go to Bedwas, who played some excellent rugby and showed exactly why they were crowned Championship East champions last season.
The hosts flew out of the blocks and crossed for a converted try inside the opening few minutes.
That early setback stung Beddau into action and they responded quickly, with prop Sam Bixby crossing for the visitors’ opening try.
From that point, however, Bedwas took control of proceedings. The home side caused Beddau plenty of problems and added two further tries before the interval, one of which was converted, to take a 17–5 advantage into the changing rooms.
Whatever Head Coach Lee Davies said at half-time certainly had the desired effect.
Beddau emerged for the second period with renewed intensity and immediately set about reducing the deficit.
Winger Ewan Roberts was first to cross the whitewash before Callaghan Smith marked his 50th appearance for the club in style by grabbing another try shortly afterwards.
Outside-half Ollie Wilde converted both scores and suddenly Beddau had turned a 12-point deficit into a 19–17 lead.
Bedwas were not finished and reclaimed the advantage with a penalty goal around the midway point of the second half, edging themselves back in front at 20–19.
But Beddau were now applying sustained pressure and showing a real determination to find a way to win.
That pressure eventually told when Ethan Coombes forced his way over the line for what proved to be the decisive score. Wilde added the conversion to put Beddau 26–20 ahead.
The Green & Golds saw out the remainder of the contest to secure an excellent opening-day victory.
After a difficult first half, the response after the break was outstanding. Beddau showed character, togetherness and sheer desire to turn the contest around and come away from a difficult venue with the points.
New Culture Coffee Shop Player of the Match: Callaghan Smith
A fitting way for Callaghan to mark his 50th appearance in Beddau colours.
Colliers Make a Winning Start
With both the Athletic and Youth fixtures postponed at the request of their opposition, the Colliers were the only other senior Beddau side in action.
They also started their campaign with a victory, recording an entertaining 38–24 win over local neighbours Llantrisant at Cefn Mably in the opening game of the new CCC league.
There was plenty of attacking rugby on show, with Llantrisant proving a real handful at times and contributing four well-worked tries of their own. But the Colliers had enough firepower to take the spoils, running in six tries.
Beddau scorers:
• Jack Rowe – 2 tries
• Ethan Forkin – 1 try
• Lloyd Stephens – 1 try
• Efan Thomas – 1 try
• Jac Thomas – 1 try
• Owain Cotter – 4 conversions
It was a hugely entertaining opening fixture and a very encouraging start to the new league campaign for the Colliers.
Next Weekend:
Attention now turns to another busy weekend of rugby.
The 1st XV are scheduled to play their first home league fixture of the season when Llangennech visit Mount Pleasant Park, while the Athletic face a long trip to Tref-y-Clawdd.
The Colliers are due to welcome Aberdare to Beddau, while the Youth are also at home with Llantrisant the visitors.
All fixtures are subject to confirmation.
Finally, a huge well done to all of our Mini & Junior players who were back in action at games and festivals over the weekend.
It was fantastic to see so many young Green & Golds back out on the rugby field, enjoying their rugby and representing Beddau.
A great way to start another season across the club.
