20 Aug Merthyr 24-26 Bridgend

It was a victory in Tom Smith’s first game in charge of Bridgend Ravens, after a late try from centre Stuart Floyd Ellis, converted by Paul Short saw Bridgend overcome Merthyr 26pts to 24 at The Wern.

In what turned out to be a perfect start to pre-season, Bridgend built a 14 nil lead inside the opening quarter. Edd Howley raced over following a neat set play move, Dylan Davies providing a pass into space for the fullback to run on to. Debutant outside half, Luke Price landed the extras.

As a defensive unit, Bridgend looked well drilled throughout the first half. Showing solid efforts on multiple occasions, thwarting maul drives and producing solid goal line stands to hold out the Merthyr attack.

A maul of their own saw the Ravens get to within a metre of a second try. Quick work out wide saw Tyler Williams step his way over as he collected the bouncing ball for Bridgend’s second. Price converted well from our wide.

The hosts hit back shortly after, the Bridgend defence finally cracked as Merthyr touched down out wide through Sam Evans. Thompson converted.

HT Merthyr RFC 7-14 Bridgend Ravens

Another fast start from Bridgend saw Edd Howley bag his second of the match with a scything run. Price hit the upright with the conversion effort.

Merthyr then struck for three straight scores as replacements for both sides helped open gaps across the park.

Bridgend, trailing by 5, struck for a hard earned equalising score. Stuart Floyd Ellis, one of the standout performers on day the broke the hosts’ resolve, diving under the posts to score a well worked try. Paul Short converted from in front of the uprights with the clock in the red to secure the victory.

It was the performance however, given it was the Ravens first outing due to the weather disrupting last week’s planned preparation, that was most pleasing. New signings and combinations seem settled, plus the squad is perhaps the most consistent between seasons Bridgend have had in recent years.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Ryan Edwards 13. Stuart Floyd Ellis 12. Joseph Gatt 11. Tyler Williams 10. Luke Price 9. Dylan Davies

1. Rhodri Apsee 2. Evan Yardley 3. Liam Tobias 4. Jack Pope 5. Bowen Davies 6. Dafi Davies 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Jordan Collier

Replacements: Owen Jordan, Gareth Harvey, Ben Uphill, Kieran Martin, Mark Davey, Iestyn Merriman, Aled Evans, Dafi Davies, Jak Robbins, Paul Short, Iwan Griffith.

By Chris Edmunds.