14 Jan Bridgend 18-8 Pontypridd

Bridgend made it two wins from two to start 2023 with a hard fought victory over Pontypridd at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon.

Bridgend had the better of the opening exchanges, but errors halted momentum. Luke Price sent an early penalty wide before slotting his second effort with 10 minutes played.

The Bridgend lineout wasn’t at it’s best but when it did work the maul effort from the pack was immense. The Ravens dominated the first half, and Zach O’Driscoll broke away before being stopped short. The Ravens recycled wide but were denied the chance to score as Sam Hayman knocked on deliberately. Referee Rhys Jones conversed with his assistant and a penalty try was awarded. Hayman was shown yellow.

The sin-bin handed Bridgend more space to attack. Launching a counter from a poor box kick, Caine Woolerton ran it back with intent. Spread wide, Stuart Floyd-Ellis raced up to the visitors 22 where more quick recycling allowed space for Rhys Williams to break. The offload inside found Luke Price in support and the fly half touched down. Price sent the conversion wide but Bridgend had a handy 15 nil lead with half an hour played and were playing with their tails up.

With halftime approaching, Ben Burnell slotted a three pointer to narrow the gap to 12 at the break.

Bridgend Ravens 15-3 Pontypridd RFC

Bridgend started the second half brightly but couldn’t add to their tally. Pontypridd, as they did in the first half, built into the half and bagged the first score as the game entered the final 20 minutes.

Indiscipline from the hosts handed great field position to Pontypridd, who took full advantage this time. Pencoed product Sam Hayman touched down out wide, atoning for his earlier indiscretion. Burnell sent the conversation attempt wide to leave Bridgend seven points ahead.

The game was on a knife edge but Bridgend remained composed and eventually added three more from the boot of Luke Price, taking themselves out of the one score reach of Pontypridd. The visitors did up the tempo late in an effort to rescue something from the game, but Bridgend’s resolute defence held firm to deny Ponty a losing bonus point.

Pontypridd will have been disappointed not to have finished at least one of their efforts off. On a couple of occasions Pontypridd found themselves on the Ravens try line but were help up or turned over, typified by a monumental Luke Price last ditch tackle and turnover all but securing victory.

Bridgend have started 2023 with two hard fought victories and will be in high spirits travelling to Merthyr next weekend before Newport are visitors to the Dunraven Brewery Field the following weekend.