05 Sep Aberavon 45-14 Bridgend

Posted at 08:30h in 2022/23 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens opened the Indigo Premiership season with a disappointing defeat at Aberavon on Saturday afternoon.

Playing with a first half wind advantage, the Wizards blew the Ravens away in the first 40 minutes. Bridgend were much improved in the second half, picking up two late tries through Evan Yardley and Mike Powell but the damage had already been done by Jason Hyatt’s men.

It was a reasonably even start to proceedings, but Aberavon broke the deadlock with a score from Joe Gage who smartly gathered his own chip ahead to score. Rhys Jones converted.

Just minutes later, Joe Thomas broke the defensive line to feed former Raven Jonny Phillips for the home side’s second score, this time unconverted.

Aberavon’s powerful pack dominated proceedings and Luke Davies was the next to benefit from a forward surge, dotting down out wide for another unconverted score.

The Wizards kept pushing and gained one further score before the interval. Centre Joe Gage fumbled a pass on the 22 but prop Liam Tobias was adjudged to have pulled him back and referee Elgan Williams awarded a penalty try and gave Tobias his marching orders.

HT Aberavon 24-0 Bridgend Ravens

Aberavon dominated the early exchanges of the second half, scoring further tries through Stef Andrews, Joe Gage and Bradley Roderick to race clear on the scoreboard.

With ten minutes to go, Bridgend upped their game and Iwan Griffith had a try harshly disallowed for a forward pass from Luke Price. The Ravens weren’t to be denied though and Evan Yardley bundled over from close range for a score which Price improved with a drop goalled conversion.

Straight from kick off, Bridgend charged up field and wing Mike Powell rounded off a nice move to score Bridgend’s second of the afternoon. Price again converted and although Bridgend tried to force another score, it ended 45pts to 14 in the home side’s favour.

The Ravens will be looking to pick up their first win of the season when Carmarthen Quins visit the Dunraven Brewery Field next Saturday (2:30pm).