BUILTH Wells hosted Gwernyfed in a memorial match dedicated to the late Murray Beehan on Thursday.

The Bulls marched to a 44-7 win and was well-contested throughout and a fitting tribute to Mr Beehan whose devotion and efforts on behalf of Builth Wells Rugby Club are sadly missed.

The Murray Beehan Memorial Cup was organised by Ryan Beehan who hoped to honour his brother's impact on the game in the region during a lifelong association with his hometown club prior to his sad passing at the age of just 34 on December 30, 2020.

The game was arranged as four 20 minute periods and the early stages proved a cagey affair as both sides got to grips with the long absence from competitive rugby.

Repeated infringements by Builth players allowed Gwernyfed to apply persistent pressure around the Builth 22m line but after 15 minutes Builth relieved the pressure and following a powerful forward drive, flanker Shaun Coyle went over for a try from close range.

Builth lost No8 Ryan Beehan to a yellow card infringement but early in the second period produced an exciting length of the field flowing movement which almost resulted in a second try.

Builth gained a foothold in the Gwernyfed 22 and constructed a copy of their first try with Rhodri Jones driving over.

Another flowing movement, initiated by lively full back Gethin Lewis resulted in a try by flanker Ashley Mills, converted by full back Stefan Townes, taking Builth into a 17-0 lead.

Early in the third period Builth again demonstrated excellent handling skills and support play from deep with Ashley Mills finishing the movement off with a dummy most backs would be proud of.

Winger Rhys Lewis continued the scoring with a well taken try in the corner to increase their lead to 27 points.

Builth had the luxury of ringing the changes with their playing personnel leading up to the final period and following another good build up within the Gwernyfed 22m area, Connor Granell supplied the finish for another Builth try.

An incisive midfield break resulted in Builth outside half Ryan Jones going over for a try, which he proceeded to convert.

Gwernyfed continued to play their part in this entertaining encounter and deservedly scored a try in the corner, followed by a successful conversion.

Builth had the final say as outside half Ryan Jones took a good support line following incisive handling and jinked his way over the line to claim his second try.