19 Feb Bridgend 13-36 Ebbw Vale

Bridgend fell to playoff chasers Ebbw Vale, the visitors blitz either side of halftime downed the Ravens, the Steelmen went on to secure a bonus point late on to leave the Dunraven Brewery Field with five points.

Evan Lloyd slotted an early three pointer before Bridgend struck for the opening try.

Sustained pressure from the Ravens was well held by Ebbw. The hosts had to work hard to get over the line. A quick tap penalty saw Iestyn Merriman crash over. Jamin Hodgkins added the conversion.

Hodgkins went on to add two penalties as the half hour mark passed pushing Bridgend into a 10 point lead.

Bridgend handed Ebbw Vale their best chance of the half deep in their own 22, the Ravens turned over possession and the visitors struck as half time closed in. Jonathan Evans sniped his way through the Bridgend defence for the visitors opening try. Evan Lloyd added the extras, leaving Bridgend with a three point halftime lead.

HT Bridgend Ravens 13-10 Ebbw Vale

Ebbw Vale struck for two early second half tries swinging the tie well into their favour. Ewan Bowden and Lewis Young touched down.

Bridgend, now trailing by 11, tried to force their way back into the game but errors plus resolute Ebbw defence left the hosts pointless throughout the second half.

Ebbw Vale went on to add two late scores securing a bonus point victory to maintain their playoff charge. Bridgend’s encouraging first half performance wasn’t enough to take anything from the game, and the Ravens will be looking for big improvements when Neath visit the Dunraven Brewery Field in three weeks time.