30 Oct Ebbw Vale 18-16 Bridgend Ravens

Bridgend fell to a late defeat at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium, thanks to a late penalty try as the Ravens scrum was left bare thanks to a red and two yellow cards.

Ebbw Vale had the best moments of the first half, Bridgend managed very little possession or territory but took their points when they were on offer.

An early sign of the Steelmen’s power saw a 6th minute try arrive from a driving maul.

Evan Lloyd and Luke Price exchanged penalties as the weather began to effect play.

Price went on to add two further penalties as Bridgend built into the half, seeing the Ravens lead at the break despite periods of dominance form the hosts.

HT Ebbw Vale 8-9 Bridgend Ravens

Bridgend started with urgency and bagged a try just a minute into the second half. Jack Pope broke the Ebbw defensive line finding Jordan Collier who galloped over for an excellent score on his 50th appearance for the club. Price pushed Bridgend out to an 8 point lead.

As the hour mark arrived, the Steelmen added three from the boot of Evan Lloyd, closing the gap to five.

Bridgend were dealt a huge blow with 68 minutes on the clock, Gareth Harvey was shown red for a head clash. Ebbw Vale made sure to keep the game tight and take advantage of their advantage up front saw Bridgend lose additional front rowers late.

Another strong maul from the hosts was deemed to have been illegally halted, young replacement Alex George was sent to the bin with just under 10 minutes remaining.

With Bridgend now missing two in the pack, Ebbw Vale opted for a scrum, five metres out the referee raced under the posts awarding the hosts the seven pointer, seeing the Steelmen take the lead with just two minutes remaining. Harry Olding was shown yellow as a result.

With just 12 men on the pitch, the Ravens’ efforts late on were phenomenal. Strong carries and big work rates from Bridgend after 80 minutes earned a last chance to earn victory. Paul Short, making his first appearance following a long lay off with injury stepped up from 50 metres, but his effort didn’t have the distance and Ebbw Vale cleared to secure a narrow victory.