Bargoed battlers hang on to celebrate another big scalp

BARGOED took another big scalp after they beat last year’s runners-up Aberavon in a thriller.

They were full value for their 16-7 half-time lead after dominating a good three quarters of the first 40 minutes.

But the Wizards came back strongly in the second half and threw the kitchen sink at their hosts, who just clung on for victory.

Bargoed full-back Matthew Lewis took a great angle to put them back ahead with a try just before the interval.

He also kicked three penalties, while outsidehalf Calum Jones slotted a conversion.

Aberavon did look menacing when they had the ball but it was far too rare. They managed a penalty try when Bargoed took down a driving line-out.

Aberavon’s cause wasn’t helped early in the second half when firstly fly-half James Garland and then full-back Chris Banfield missed kickable penalties.

But their luck changed when Bargoed No.8 Ieuan Jones was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on, Banfield storming home for a try he converted.

Bargoed were soon down to 13 men when hooker Leigh Meades was binned for dipping his shoulder.

With yellow cards flowing like confetti, Aberavon blindside Lee Purnell was the latest to leave the field for a high tackle.

The Wizards came close to nicking it at the death, but a heroic defensive effort enabled Bargoed to see out a memorable win