03 Feb ABERAVON 36-25 BRIDGEND

Bridgend Ravens were left to rue a poor start in a Super Rygbi Cymru Cup opener at Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday.

The Ravens shipped three tries in six first half minutes to go in at half time 29pts to 5 behind. Scott Baldwin’s men rallied in the second half to score four further tries and claim a bonus point in defeat, but the damage had already been done and Aberavon claimed their first win over Bridgend this season.

Aberavon raced out to a 22 point lead in 21 first half minutes, Bridgend unable to get any territory as a stiff wind pinned them back.

The Ravens hit back with a try from Freddie Chapman, a short range effort after the Bridgend maul effort went close. Edd Howley missed the extras.

The Wizards added a fifth first half try that would turn out to be the winner, Bridgend unable to claw back the 29 first half points conceded.

HT Aberavon 29-5 Bridgend

An early second half score for the hosts appeared to set a tone similar to the first where Aberavon controlled most aspects of the game. A big improvement from the Ravens as the half went on saw Bridgend close the gap but they couldn’t overcome the 31 points difference between the sides after 42 minutes of the tie.

Bridgend struck for a second, again through the maul. This time Corey Lewis burst over after more strong work from the pack. The conversion was sent wide.

Ten minutes later youngster Rhydian Greenhall was the beneficiary of a weak Aberavon clearance to gallop over.

Bridgend bagged a bonus point with five minutes to play, a turnover deep in their own half saw Edd Howley break away. He found Tommy Morgan who rounded under the corner defence to score.

With time up, Bridgend added a fifth. A loose ball was hacked ahead by McCauley Rowley, the flyer controlled his kick on and touched down for the try. Bridgend’s fifth try also went uncoverted as Harvey Nash took over kicking duties.

Bridgend welcome Cardiff on the 15th February for their second match in Pool A of the SRC Cup