BEDWAS were helpless in preventing last weekend’s Newport clash falling to the wet weather – today's foes Neath must have wished that rain had made its way to north Wales.
While the elements gave Ian Gardner’s troops an afternoon off, the Welsh All Blacks endured a Saturday to forget in Colwyn Bay, losing 66-3 to RGC 1404.
The Principality Premiership frontrunners ended up scoring nine tries against an under-strength Neath team, whose case wasn’t helped by the sending off of prop Ryan Thomas.
Neath held on gamely for 65 minutes before collapsing like a deck of cards to remain firmly rooted to the foot of the table.
Bedwas know they can expect a reaction at the Gnoll today (kick-off 2.30pm), though they will also be aware that Neath are still going to be hurting.
It has been a hugely disappointing season so far for Gareth Llewellyn and his squad, with just three league victories and a first-round exit in the National Cup.
Two of those wins came right at the start of the campaign, since when there has been very little to cheer for fans of a club which once ruled Welsh rugby.
After finishing bottom of the western conference, Neath now prop up the 16-club Premiership table with only one point to show for their efforts.
Injuries have played a big part in their shocking run of results, and it’s unlikely there will be any relief when Bedwas come to town.
Bedwas’ enforced lay-off last Saturday will have given bumps and bruises time to heal, and head coach Gardner is going to expect his players to hit the ground running come kick-off.
Elsewhere, Bargoed host Aberavon, Cardiff go to Llandovery, Merthyr entertain Pontypridd and RGC face Carmarthen Quins.
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