11 Sep Bridgend 18-24 Aberavon

Bridgend Ravens lost out in a hard fought derby with Aberavon at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon.

There was little between the sides, but a late try from Aberavon captain, Joe Gage, was enough for the Wizards to take the spoils.

The opening exchanges were tight, but Aberavon broke the deadlock with a nicely worked score for wing Jay Baker. Outside half, James Davies, knocked over a tricky conversion. Davies was successful from the tee just minutes later to put the visitors in control.

Bridgend kept at it and their efforts were rewarded with a Luke Price penalty to reduce the arrears.

With the home side now on top, centre Rhys Williams was able to force his way over under the posts for a try converted by Price.

It looked that the half may draw to a close with both sides level, but impressive Aberavon flanker Casey Williams was at hand to finish another flowing move from the away side. Davies, perfect from the tee all afternoon converted.

Bridgend bounced back and after a scrum penalty, sent the ball to the corner. A not straight lineout saw Aberavon clear from the resulting scrum to take the lead into the interval.

HT – Bridgend 10-17 Aberavon 

The Ravens returned to the field like a side possessed. Price was successful with another penalty goal before the home side’s move of the match saw Chris Williams dive over for an unconverted score. It seemed that Bridgend were the more likely to add to their score, but some resolute defence from Aberavon kept them out.

With the tie on a knife edge, Aberavon’s captain Joe Gage was ultimately the man to win the game for his team. After a break from scrum half Hemmings, the inside centre was on the end of a pop pass to find his way to the whitewash. Davies extended the advantage with a fine conversion.

There was still time for another Bridgend resurgence though and after a number of penalties were awarded near the Wizards’ line, referee Simon Mills penalised the Bridgend pack and Aberavon expertly held onto the ball to clear for full time.

Bridgend head West to face Carmarthen Quins in their next Indigo Premiership fixture on Saturday, kick off 2:30pm.