Beaufort Vs Bethesda

Date :- 12th December 2009

Venue Beaufort

Fixture:- Third Round SWALEC Bowl

BEAUFORT RFC 13 POINTS BETHESDA RFC 17 POINTS

Beaufort's hope of a fourth round tie in the SWALEC bowl came to an abrupt end when they were defeated by the North Walian second division opponents in the dying moments of play. Bethesda top of their league table got off to the better start kicking an early penalty and served notice that they were not going to surrender their unbeaten playing record easily.

Beaufort then settled down and after a good passage of play got the first try. Second row Ben Harding's take at the line out secured the attacking platform for his three quarters to strike and centre Geraint Phillips burst through to touch down under the posts. Dylan Smith kicked the easiest of conversions and before half time kicked two penalties from three attempts to put the home side into a comfortable lead of 13 points to 3.

But the lead did not sit easy with Beaufort, particularly in the second half . In a disastrous ten minute spell they allowed the visitors to come back into the match. They failed to kick with distance out of their own heartland and made a couple of unforced errors to allow Bethesda to take up the initiative. Eventually, the opposition found the opening they were working hard to achieve and ran in a well executed try from 30 metres. The conversion brought them within 3 points of the lead

However, Beaufort did rally and superiority in numbers due to a yellow card against Bethesda led to a thrilling last quarter. Beaufort kicked the corners to keep the game tight and with a slender lead looked good to see the match out But less than 6 minutes left on the game clock they unwisely worked the ball wide and lost control in mid field . Bethesda broke away to stun Beaufort with a late try scored under the sticks. It was a sucker blow from where there was no return

Tactically this was not one of Beaufort's best displays. They occasionally looked dangerous in attack but were called upon to defend all too often because of poor options and sloppy handling . Flanker Paul Francis did catch the eye and had a fine match but Beaufort's star performer on the day was second row Ben Harding

Next week Beaufort return to league duty with a an away game at Markham

BARRIE CASWELL

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