03 Oct Bridgend 10-34 Merthyr

Bridgend Ravens lost their first home Indigo Premiership game of the season, with Merthyr picking up all five points infront of the S4C Cameras.

Merthyr had the opportunity to kick the first three points of the match through Gareth Thompson as Bridgend were penalised for offside in their own 22, however, he pushed the kick wide.

Bridgend did kick the first three-pointer of the game through outside half Luke Price from 40 metres out.

The visitors replied with a penalty of their own through Thompson after a spell of pressure near the Ravens line.

The hosts responded well working their way downfield before a kicking a penalty deep into Merthyr territory. Their pack drove the lineout over the try line with Evan Yardley receiving the credit. Price added the extras.

The Ironmen used their driving lineout to good effect, making 30 metres down into the Ravens 22 before being awarded a penalty. From the resulting penalty they kicked to the corner, after the maul was stopped centre Rhys Davies broke a tackle and crashed over the line to score. Thompson missed the conversion.

Merthyr scored their second try just before the half time whistle, their driving maul put them on the front foot once again before Tavis Knoyle darted over from close range. Thompson added the extras.

Half time: Bridgend 10 – 15 Merthyr

The visitors came out firing at the start of the second period after Bridgend spilled the ball from a kick off, the Ironmen worked the ball well and winger Sam Jones got his name on the scoresheet. Thompson converted.

Merthyr grabbed their bonus point try before the hour mark, once again their driving maul played a pivotal part with Tom Daley crashing over off the back of it. Thompson missed the conversion.

The Ironmen created a well worked try when Rhys Davies’ cross field kick was inch perfect for Adam Hoskins to gather and score. Thompson added the extras.

Knoyle’s game management was excellent all night, his 50/22 kick gave his side the perfect platform to attack from. Sam Jones found his way over the try line once again, however, the try was disallowed after Ben Jones’ late hit on Tyler Williams, which he was yellow carded for.

The hosts had a chance to pull one back off a well worked backs move, however, Mike Powell’s final pass to Caine Woolerton went behind him and the chance was gone.

By Tobias Hunt.