30 Jan Bridgend 27-24 Newport

Bridgend Ravens made it three wins from three in 2023 holding out a late Newport fightback that almost spoilt the Ravens perfect start to the year.

Bridgend had the better of the opening exchanges and notched the first points as Paul Short landed a penalty with just five minutes on the clock.

Matt O’Brien sent a penalty effort wide for the visitors before the Ravens bagged the first try of the match through Chris Williams. A strong maul effort from the Hosts made ground towards the Black and Amber try line. Gareth Harvey broke from the back of the maul heading down the blind side and found Chris Williams in support for the Scrum Half to touch down out wide. Paul Short landed the touchline conversion to push Bridgend out to a 10 point lead.

Newport hit back almost immediately with a try from Elliott Frewen, O’Brien sent the conversion wide. Poor first half goal kicking would prove costly for the visitors come full time.

It didn’t take Bridgend long to strike back, hard running in midfield from Rhys Williams got the Ravens on the front foot. Quick ball handed Edd Howley a gap out wide and the exceptional fullback stepped past the defensive line and sauntered over for the score. Short added the extras once more.

With five minutes of the half to go, Dafydd Buckland upped the tempo for the visitors with a quickly tapped penalty racing into the Ravens 22. Scrambling in defence, Bridgend scragged Josh Reid down just short. Quick recycling saw the elusive Lloyd Lewis touchdown out wide but the conversion was sent wide once again seeing 7 first half missed points from the visitors who trailed by 7 at the break.

HT Bridgend Ravens 17-10 Newport RFC

The opening ten minutes of the second half were fairly even but it was Bridgend who added to their tally. Paul Short added three more to push the Ravens out to a 10 point lead.

As the hour mark arrived Bridgend struck for a stunning first phase score from a scrum 40 metres out. A midfield loop from Chris Williams helped open up space out wide and the Scrum Half found Edd Howley in space. The fullback raced into the 22 where Mike Powell was in support, the flyer dived over for the score. Luke Price nailed the conversion to give Bridgend a handy 17 points lead with 20 minutes to play.

Newport built well into the game and their forward power earned a penalty try with 10 minutes to play. Aled Evans was shown yellow leaving the hosts to defend their 10 point lead a man light.

The Visitors struck for a bonus point try just three minutes later as they threw everything at Bridgend. The Ravens discipline fading late on handed Newport the field position they needed and Alex Grey barged over from close range.

The Black and Ambers were sensing a repeat of their last match where they sealed a dramatic last play victory at Cardiff Arms Park.

With a three point lead to defend and the clock ticking into the red, the Ravens struggled to hold back the visitors’ advances. The Black and Ambers found themselves yet again five metres out with a lineout that had Raven hearts in mouths. The ball was overthrown and Zach O’Driscoll smashed it into touch to bring the final whistle to the relief of the home faithful.

Bridgend take a short break from action before visiting Ebbw Vale next on Saturday 18th February (2:30pm).