03 Apr Bridgend 8-31 Llandovery
Bridgend Ravens were beaten by Llandovery at Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon, handing the Ravens their first home defeat in 2023.
The Drovers cemented their position at the top of the Indigo Premiership with victory over an off colour Bridgend Ravens side.
There was a late change for Tom Smith’s side with Luke Price withdrawing before kick off and Rhys Williams switching to the ten jersey. Nathan Edwards came into midfield, and the opening exchanges were reasonably even. Llandovery’s Jack Maynard and Bridgend’s Edd Howley, on kicking duty for the afternoon, exchanged penalties in the first quarter.
Maynard kicked two further penalties following rare Bridgend indiscipline, before Adam Warren was able to stroll over from a scrum set piece move just before the interval. A score which the prolific Maynard improved.
HT Bridgend 3-16 Llandovery
Llandovery were able to extend their advantage in the second half with another Maynard penalty. Shortly after, Bridgend put together their best period of the match. Reuben Tucker went on a trademark rampaging run and was hauled down short of the line, with Bridgend looking certain to score, referee Simon Rees penalised the home side for holding on and the Drovers were able to clear.
The visitors, having seen off the Bridgend storm, were now on the front foot and Macs Page bagged an unconverted score out wide to all but secure victory.
With just over 20 minutes to go, Tom Smith handed 18 year old outside half, Harri Ford, a Bridgend Ravens debut as he replaced Nathan Edwards. Ford put in an assured performance in his first game of senior rugby, slotting in at 10 with Rhys Williams moving to his more familiar position of 12.
Bridgend didn’t give up, and with ten minutes to go, wing Mike Powell was on the end of a nicely worked team score to get the Ravens a deserved try. Howley’s conversion slipped wide.
The Drovers weren’t done yet, and with some slick hands Aaron Warren bagged the final score of the match, a try which was improved by Maynard.
Bridgend will look to put the disappointment on Saturday behind them next weekend when they travel to Parc y Scarlets to face Llanelli (2:30pm).