09 Jan Carmarthen 14-22 Bridgend

Bridgend Ravens picked up their first win at Carmarthen Park since 2006 on Saturday afternoon, beating Carmarthen Quins in a tightly fought game 22pts to 14.

A try from Edd Howley ten minutes from time and the ever reliable boot of Luke Price saw the Ravens come away with an important victory.

A stiff breeze in the Ravens’ faces helped the Quins pin Bridgend deep in their own half for long periods of the first half.

An early Dylan Richards try saw the hosts lead 5 points to nil, but Bridgend took any points on offer to keep within touching distance knowing they would have wind advantage in the second half.

Luke Price slotted the first of his 17 points as the 10 minute mark approached.

Carmarthen should have added a second try as they sliced through the Bridgend defence, kicking through and winning the ball at the line. Ryan Edwards came up with a miraculous tackle to hold the ball up over the line.

Jac Wilson added two Penalties to push Carmarthen out to an 11 point to 3 lead, punishing Bridgend errors. The visitors finished the half on the front foot however, and should have added a try of their own. Settling for a penalty in front of the posts heading in at the break five points behind.

HT Carmarthen Quins 11-6 Bridgend Ravens

Bridgend opened the second half on the front foot. Now playing with wind advantage Luke Price added his third penalty to close the gap to two points just four minutes into the half.

Price edged the Ravens ahead with 20 minutes to play as the fly half sliced the uprights with a neat drop goal, a Carmarthen dropout from under their posts couldn’t get the distance required into the wind and Price took full advantage.

Five minutes later, Bridgend found themselves back in the Carmarthen 22, a scrum dead centre field handed the Ravens plenty of attacking options. Spread wide, Edd Howley stiff-armed his way through the Carmarthen defensive line and dotted down out wide. Luke Price nailed the touchline conversion giving the visitors an 8 point lead with just over 10 minutes to play.

Carmarthen had chances late on but handling errors and the fierce Bridgend defence held firm. Price notched his fourth penalty, taking his personal tally to 17, securing victory in the process as the Ravens edged two scores clear with five to play.

Bridgend saw out the remaining minutes with continued ferocity in defence securing a well deserved victory which has been coming given recent closely fought ties.