Bargoed welcomed Swansea to Bargoed Park with both sides looking to build on victories the week before.
The home side started well and had the better of the first 20 minutes, taking an early lead when outstanding wing Ashley Norton brushed off a couple of tackles before going over for the first try after 6 minutes, Josh Prosser kicked the conversion to give the Bulls a 7-0 lead.
Bargoed’s discipline cost them as it allowed Swansea to get a foothold in the Bulls territory. Bargoed’s defensive sets were excellent though, but when a loose line -out gave the All Whites a position close to the Bargoed line Paul John burrowed over after a series of pick and drives. Phil Jones converted to make it 7-7.
Bargoed also lost one of their most experienced players Adam Powell to injury, and James Locke replaced him in the second row.
Swansea had the better of the last 20 minutes of the first half and they scored again in similar fashion with another series of drives before James Ratti got the touchdown with Jones converting to make it 14-7 to Swansea at half time.
Bargoed came out firing in the second half and made a couple of changes early with Rhys Buckley and Matt Thomas joining the fray. The Bulls closed the gap when Prosser kicked a penalty after 51 minutes to make it 14-10.
They took the lead after 56 minutes when they drove the line-out for replacement hooker Rhys Buckley to get the try with Prosser converting to make it 17-14.
Bargoed now had real momentum and got their third try on 59 minutes as they again drive the line-out and when the drive went down John Lavender stood off and barrelled his way over from short range, and Prosser converted again to make it 24-14.
Swansea were not going to lay down and bounced back immediately after good work by James Ratti which saw Luke Griffiths score in the corner to make it 24-19.
Swansea took the lead in this song song battle a couple of minutes later when replacement back row man Charlie Davies scores a try converted by Jones to make it 26-24.
Bargoed dug deep and made some changes with Rhys Morgan, Ashley Gibson and Jordan Purcell coming off the bench.
Bargoed’s scrum was now well on top and after a couple of successive scrums Bargoed moves the ball to Barney Nightingale who showed his speed and strength with a powerful run scattering opposition players and crashed over wide out. Prosser converted superbly to make it 31-26.
Swansea attacked again from the kick off but Bargoed’s defence was resolute and they came out on top in an entertaining encounter, with the lead changing hands five times during the game.
Bargoed’s coaching and management staff were pleased with the victory and in particular their work rate and also the character that the players showed against a Swansea side who had won their last couple of games.
Bargoed have now closed the gap on other relegation rivals taking a maximum 10 points over the last two games, but they also know that some tough games await in the run in with five games to go.
The next challenge comes from Ebbw Vale RFC as the Bulls look to take on the Steelmen at their home ground, as they continue their fight for Premiership survival.
