31 Dec Aberavon 32-26 Bridgend

Bridgend Ravens lost out to Aberavon in a hard fought derby match at Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday. 

The Ravens will be disappointed to have not taken more from the game having come back from an early 12pt deficit, but the Wizards held out in the face of some strong Bridgend pressure to seal a bonus point win.

It was a slow start for the visitors and Stef Andrews was first to dot down following a dink through from home captain Joe Gage. Thomas beat the elements to convert.

Moments later, a high kick from Liam Seaward was gathered by Rhys Thomas near the halfway line. The dynamic forward was on hand to finish off the move to score his sides’ second try which went unconverted.

Bridgend swung into action following this with a strong forward surge seeing Ben Thomas score a well worked try. Moments later, Edd Howley, taking over goal kicking duties kicked 3pts to reduce the deficit further.

Aberavon were next to take the advantage with scrum half Seaward crossing for a try which Thomas converted.

Next was a moment of magic from Bridgend’s Edd Howley. Spotting a large gap in the napping home defence, the full back took a quick tap and surged clear to score a stunning individual try from over 50 meters. He added the simple conversion himself which was to be the final score of the half.

HT: Aberavon 19-15 Bridgend

Despite the appalling weather conditions, both sides put on an entertaining second 40 which could have gone either way.

Bridgend were first to score and take the lead for the first time with skipper Zac O’Driscoll powering over from close range.

Aberavon didn’t waste much time battling back with their own flanker Ben Gregory scoring their bonus point try and taking them back ahead.

The rest of the scoring went to the goal kickers with Aled Thomas and Edd Howley exchanging two penalties each. Bridgend battled hard for the final few moments and had a couple of chances which they were unable to take. The game ended following the award of a scrum penalty to Aberavon, allowing Aled Thomas to clear his lines and secure victory for his side.

Bridgend are next in action when Carmarthen Quins visit the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday (2:30pm).