12 Oct ABERAVON 28-29 BRIDGEND

Bridgend Ravens won an enthralling all Ospreys Super Rygbi Cymru derby against Aberavon at Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday.

The victory was Bridgend’s first in Port Talbot since May 2018 and Scott Baldwin’s side were made to work hard for their bonus point win by the home side. A late Cori Lewis-Jenkins try had given Wizards’ outside half Ed Dunford the chance to win the game with a touchline conversion which the Cardiff Uni student sent wide.

Bridgend started the game on top and took an early lead through a neatly struck Ben Burnell penalty, but Aberavon hit back straight from kick off when Dunford’s restart floated into the hands of Lewis-Jenkins to coast in for a try which was converted.

As the half hit the halfway point, Burnell punted Bridgend into the corner and a powerful forward surge was pulled down short of the line. Referee Ben Connor decided against awarding a penalty try, but did card Aberavon prop Rowan Jenkins for the offence. The Ravens went for the scrum from the resulting penalty but the home side turned the ball over and kicked clear.

Five minutes later, the Bridgend backs opened the game up and debutant Rhydian Greenhall strode through the Wizards’ defence. He was able to offload to the supporting Edd Howley for a try. Burnell made no mistake with the conversion.

With their tails up, Bridgend struck again soon after. Some loose midfield play from Aberavon saw Alfie Llewellyn pick up a stray pass to cross for a try. Burnell again kicked the conversion.

With the wind advantage, the visitors continued to pile on the pressure but were unable to add to their score and had to settle for a ten point lead at half time.

HT Aberavon 7-17 Bridgend

Aberavon needed a quick response and were able to pull themselves closer on the scoreboard thanks to two Dunford penalties within the first 5 minutes of the second period.

It took until the 60th minute for the next score to arrive and Aberavon’s powerful maul saw hooker Luke Davies bundle over for a try converted by Dunford.

The see-saw game swung back Bridgend’s way with a driving maul try of their own from hooker Corey Lewis. Importantly, Burnell added the conversion to extend Bridgend’s lead to 4 points.

The game was on a knife edge as it entered the final ten minutes and with some quick ball thanks to the hard work of the Bridgend forwards, Burnell was able to release Edd Howley to bag a bonus point try for the visitors.

It seemed that the tie was out of sight for Aberavon at this stage, but shortly after, Dunford reduced the arrears and the match was once again within his side’s grasp.

Bridgend held firm amidst some heavy pressure from Aberavon as the Wizards looked to steal victory. The try eventually came, 8 minutes into stoppage time with Ospreys Academy star Lewis-Jenkins touching down out wide. Crucially, the conversion was right in the corner, leaving Dunford the difficult task of converting to win the game.

There was time for late drama as Dunford’s first conversion swung hopelessly wide. As Bridgend’s players celebrated, referee Connor ordered a retake of the kick and gifted the home side a second shot of the game. Dunford’s second attempt was closer but slipped wide and Bridgend’s travelling supporters were able to celebrate an important derby day victory.

Bridgend Ravens welcome high flying Ebbw Vale to the Dunraven Brewery Field next weekend in the latest round of Super Rygbi Cymru fixtures, kick off at 2:30pm.