20 Feb Ebbw Vale 30-27 Bridgend

Bridgend Ravens lost out with the last kick of the game on Saturday afternoon, with Ebbw Vale’s Kieran Meek landing a drop goal to take the spoils in a tightly fought encounter. 

The sides found themselves tied at halftime and an evenly fought second were still level as 80 minutes ticked over. It was Ebbw on the attack late, dropping a goal to take the win in dramatic fashion.

Bridgend raced out to a handy lead with tries from Edd Howley and Michael Powell, both converted by Paul Short to give them a deserved advantage.

With just a couple of minutes played, and Bridgend on the front foot, Edd Howley produced a sublime finish after being afforded some space out wide. Jinking passed two defenders, the Fullback found an outrageous leaping finish in the corner for the first points of the game. Paul Short landed the tough touchline conversion to push Bridgend into a 7 point lead.

Evan Lloyd added a penalty for the hosts before Bridgend struck for a second try of the match.

Pouncing on a sloppy ruck, Bridgend secured a turnover in the Ebbw 22. Great vision from Paul Short saw the Fly Half grubber wide finding Mike Powell in plenty of space and the flyer touched down out wide. Short again added the extras.

Ebbw Vale responded with a converted try as the 20 minute mark approached. A couple of minutes later Paul Short edged the Ravens out to a 7 point lead with a penalty goal.

The hosts levelled with a converted score from Luke Garrett. Short again pushed Bridgend in front from the tee as halftime approached. But Ebbw were able to once again find a leveller from the boot of Evan Lloyd, leaving the sides locked at 20 apiece at the break.

HT Ebbw Vale RFC 20-20 Bridgend Ravens

A tense second half played out as the sides were well matched throughout. Bridgend looked the more likely to score as their attacking efforts closed in on the Ebbw Vale line.

A wide pass from Luke Price deep in the Ebbw 22 was intercepted and raced in from 80+ metres, Morgan Richards claiming a score against the run of play. Lloyd converted.

Bridgend, now trailing for the first time in the match, set about evening the tie once again. Powerful carries made a dent in the Ebbw defence and play spread wide. Evan Yardley made good ground deep into the Hosts’ 22 firing the wide pass Caine Woolerton collected and scored. Luke Price nailed the touchline conversion to once again tie the scores.

Bridgend lost Reuben Tucker to the bin late on, just as the Ravens were applying pressure. Ebbw Vale were able to kick themselves upfield and go in search of a winning score.

As the clock turned red, Ebbw gained ground into the Ravens 22. A solid defensive line didn’t look like creaking so the ball was slung back for Kieran Meek to drop a goal which he nailed to send Bridgend home disappointed with just a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.

Bridgend Scorers:
Tries: Edd Howley, Mike Powell, Caine Woolerton
Conversions: Paul Short (2), Luke Price
Penalties: Paul Short (2)