29 Aug Bridgend 34-31 Bournville

Bridgend Ravens were made to work hard by English side Bournville for victory in their final pre season friendly on Saturday afternoon at the Dunraven Brewery Field.

The Ravens were dominant in the first forty minutes and were good value for their win, but Bournville had the better of the second period giving them plenty to build on ahead of their National League 2 campaign kicking off next weekend.

Tom Smith cast his eye over 27 first team players in total and will have been happy with what he saw in the opening period. Dominant upfront, Gareth Harvey scored Bridgend’s first. Edd Howley bagged a stunning solo effort just minutes later before wing Lewis Hughes scored his first try in Bridgend colours. Bournville stayed in touch with two penalties from impressive outside half Jacob Fewtrell, before he kicked a third to see out the half.

HT Bridgend 22-9 Bournville

The second half was a total contrast to the first with the visitors enjoying the lions share of the possession, almost coming back to steal the spoils. Fewtrell grabbed an interception early in the second half and converted his own try to bring the English side within a converted score.

Replacement Alfie Llewellyn was next to cross for the home side for an impressive try as he carried several Bournville defenders over the line with him. The visitors fought back though and grabbed themselves an unconverted score to stay in the tie.

Bridgend were able to keep them at bay though as Llewellyn scored his second, a try which Price converted.

There was chaos to come though as the English side failed to give in. Edd Howley was sent to the sin bin with ten minutes to go and Iestyn Merriman joined him shortly after. Bournville got the final say with a try from Nathan Decalmer but Bridgend held out to secure their second pre season victory.

The Ravens are next in action on Saturday when they travel to St Helen’s to face Swansea in the Indigo Premiership opener.