Rogers warning for his in-form Bargoed

JEREMY Rogers has led Bargoed on a five-match unbeaten run since the return to action following lockdown, but he knows Cardiff Metropolitan University will be out to put a spanner in the works.

Bargoed won all three of their matches in the Championship Cup which was the precursor to the start of the Admiral National Championship league season which began on November 13.

Director of rugby Rogers has seen Bargoed claim back-to-back league wins at home to Beddau and away at Bedwas since then.

“It’s been an interesting season so far with a number of significant challenges to overcome off the field, but we’ve managed to adapt, move on, and make progress,” Rogers said.

“We enjoyed the different structure in the Championship Cup competition and the challenge of the modified laws and

Covid-related adaptations.

“We’re looking forward to the next phase of the cup and having the opportunity to play in the finals at Principality Stadium is certainly a huge motivating factor for the players and support staff. “Although we’ve had a good start in the cup competition, we know there are some tough games coming up and we’ll need to bring our A game to succeed and get to the final.

“The National Championship league competition has a different format this season with a truncated version which means less games, but again it’s about adapting and embracing the challenge.

“The players, coaches and support staff have worked really hard to get where we are and we are determined to be in the mix at the end of the season in both competitions.

“We have fantastic support from the local community and it’s been great to see we’ve put some smiles back on people’s faces with the return to rugby.”

Bargoed are top of the table with two bonus-point wins, but Cardiff Met are just a point behind and are also unbeaten alongside third-placed Neath. Their clash is the big game of the weekend.

After ending Pontypool’s twoseason run without defeat, Neath travel to Trebanos. Tata Steel can expect a big backlash when they go to Pontypool.

“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made under our new coaching group and we’ve seen the rewards recently with a clinical performance and bonuspoint win against Bedwas last week,” Rogers added. “Bedwas are a real threat in the league and a side that always cause us problems.

“This week we face the formidable challenge of Cardiff Met. We know they will bring tempo to the game and it’s always exciting to play against such a well organised and well-conditioned side.

“We last played against Met in the 2019-20 season and on that occasion, we came out on top at home and drew away.

“They are always well contested games. The players are hugely motivated for this one and we know Met are always quality opposition. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Admiral National Championship fixtures: Bargoed vs Cardiff Met, Bedwas vs Cross Keys, Glamorgan Wanderers vs Beddau, Narberth vs Ystalyfera, Pontypool vs Tata Steel, Trebanos vs Neath, Ystrad Rhondda vs Maesteg Quins