09 Nov Neath 19-26 Bridgend Ravens

Bridgend Ravens returned to winning ways with a victory in an all Ospreys derby against Neath at the Gnoll on Thursday evening.

It was a hard fought win for Tom Smith’s side in terrible conditions, in a game played before the S4C Clic cameras.

Neath started the better side, but coughed up possession on the Bridgend line when it seemed easier to score. The turnover of the ball saw Joseph Gatt clear long with Edd Howley winning a footrace from distance to score. Luke Price slotted the conversion.

The Welsh All Black looked to strike back straight away and following Bridgend indiscretion, impressive outside half Steff Williams kicked three points. Minutes later, Alex George was penalised for not rolling away and Williams made no mistake in kicking three more for his side.

The game continued to go Neath’s favour and following a scrum penalty, Williams put Neath ahead for the first time on the evening with a penalty goal.

The see-saw nature of the game continued as Luke Price, S4C’s and Bridgend Ravens Supporters’ Man of the Match put Bridgend ahead with a nicely struck penalty from just outside the 22.

Moments later, Price drilled a low kick across the Neath backline which gave Bridgend a lineout in Neath’s 22. Bridgend won the set piece and send the ball wide  after Edd Howley made a charging break. Mike Powell’s pass was slapped down by Steff Williams and the Neath outside half was sent to the bin for a deliberate knock on.

Bridgend were unable to take advantage from the resulting penalty, but controlled the yellow card period well. The move started with a strong run from Stuart Floyd Ellis, before Chris Williams put Tommy Morgan into space. Morgan took the ball nicely to the line, feeding Alfie Llewellyn before Williams finished off the move nicely. Price converted.

The rest of the half was seen out without either side testing the scorers.

HT Neath 9-17 Bridgend

Neath got on the scoreboard first in the second half with a nicely struck penalty from Williams and went ahead for the first time moments later. Mike Powell’s kick was charged down and after Dafydd Howells went close, Neath patiently fed the ball to Kristian Jones who scored. Williams converted.

The conditions worsened and Bridgend had to dig in. Luke Price picked up the game by the scruff of its neck and restored the visitors advantage after 56 minutes with a penalty kick.

The Ravens were able to keep their cool and controlled the conditions the better of the two sides in the last fifteen minutes. Price extended the advantage with another penalty after 77 minutes.

As time ticked away, the Bridgend forwards held onto the ball and Tantum fed Luke Price who slotted a drop goal from distance to secure victory for the Ravens.

Bridgend are next in action when they welcome RGC to the Dunraven Brewery Field next Saturday, 18th November at 2:30pm.