25 Mar RGC 20-23 Bridgend

Zach O’Driscoll’s last minute try saw Bridgend snatch a first ever victory in Colwyn Bay over RGC.

Bridgend started the brighter, aided by a strong wind in their backs. Talismanic full back Edd Howley opened the scoring following some snappy phases in the hosts 22. Cameron Ellis made good metres out wide setting the Ravens up on the RGC 22. Edd Howley found the ball in midfield and stepped three would-be tacklers before rounding the cover defence to score. Jamin Hodgkins added the extras.

Bridgend had multiple chances to add to their tally, turning down shots at goal. The pack then went close with a powerful maul effort but found themselves held up.

RGC struck to level the score through a powerful maul drive of their own, Jordan Liney touching down. Sam Earl-Jones added the conversion.

Bridgend added two penalties through the boot of Jamin Hodgkins before RGC struck just before half time.

The Ravens lost Hemi Barnes to the bin and the hosts took full advantage of the extra man. Jessie Williams touched down, Earl-Jones’ conversion edged RGC into a one point half time lead.

HT RGC 14-13 Bridgend Ravens

Bridgend regained the lead thanks to the boot of the impressive Jamin Hodgkins. The battle between the sides remained fairly even despite some Bridgend struggles to exit their 22 due to the strong winds.

Both sides were shown yellow for an off ball incident, Jack Pope and former Raven Jordan Liney were sent to the sidelines for 10 minutes.

One area of the game that RGC had a big advantage in was the scrum. Powerful all afternoon it proved a big weapon for the hosts. Sam Earl-Jones added three to edge the hosts back in front as the hour mark passed.

The hosts’ fly half added another penalty seemingly settling the tie as the clock approached 80. Bridgend had few opportunities in the RGC 22 throughout the second half and now needed a try to secure a first win against the North Walians in Colwyn Bay.

A loose kick with time but all up turned out to be the opportunity the Ravens needed, Edd Howley launched a counter attack and kicked into the 22 where Cameron Ellis won possession. The Pack took over hammering at the line before dependable Captain Zach O’Driscoll squeezed over. Hodgkins converted to push Bridgend into a late 3 point lead.

There was time for one more play though and Bridgend held on to secure a landmark first victory in Colwyn Bay, completing a season treble over the North Wales outfit.