IAN Gardner’s tenure as Bedwas head coach got off to the best possible start as his side ran in five tries to claim a first-ever victory at Sardis Road, writes Ian Lovell.

On a warm afternoon, the first game to be played on Pontypridd’s new artificial pitch started at a furious pace as both sides looked for the opening points.

It was the visitors who claimed the first score. A quickly taken tap penalty saw the ball moved left to Mathew John who tore through the backline to dot down, Steffan Jones adding the extras.

Ponty levelled the score from quick line out ball as back rower Shane Lewis-Hughes found the space to crash over near the posts, Diggy Bird adding the conversion.

The game was being played at a rapid pace but with both sides not wanting to concede any ground it became a real arm wrestle.

Bedwas retook the lead on 33 minutes. A series of Bedwas scrums close to the try line brought its reward as Morgan Allen squeezed through a pile of bodies to reach out and touch down. Steffan Jones added the conversion.

The half came to an end with both sides’ kickers exchanging penalties to see a score of Pontypridd 13 Bedwas 17.

The second half began as the first had ended with both sides vying for possession.

Bedwas took advantage of home indiscipline and, from a lineout, set up a driving maul with Ellis Shipp on the bottom of a pile of bodies to claim a try.

Steffan Jones’ boot further embellished the score.

Ponty hit back almost immediately as fast hands put replacement winger Lewis Williams in a gap and he raced through for a try converted by Bird to reduce the arrears.

Bedwas were in no mood to surrender as Steffan Jones added 10 points, first expertly kicking a long-range penalty to put his side seven clear and then exploiting a gap in the home defence, following good work by the forwards, to claim the bonus-point try.

His conversion put his side 14 points ahead.

Ponty hit back with a raid down their left which culminated in a try in the corner for Dale Stuckey.

Replacement outside-half Ceri Sweeney added the extras and, with seven minutes remaining, they were within range of levelling the scores.

It looked as though the home side would go for the jugular but Bedwas defended heroically to repel any thoughts the home side had of a comeback.

With the home side committing so many men to attack it left space for Bedwas flanker Andrew Waite to sprint in from the halfway line with 60 seconds left to ensure a dream start for Bedwas was not to be denied.

Steffan Jones’ kick hit an upright but it mattered not as the Bedwas squad, backroom staff, directors and supporters delighted in the performance.

Next Saturday, Bedwas host near neighbours Newport (kick-off 2.30pm).

This game will be a Ladies Day as all female supporters can enter for free. See the club website for further details.