Bridgend Ravens suffered late heartbreak after an 82 minute Jac Lloyd penalty condemned them to victory in an enthralling Super Rygbi Cymru clash at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday.

The match was rearranged from December’s original date, postponed due to the devastating impact of Storm Darragh. The Ravens showed plenty of promising signs in a really positive performance but the match ultimately ended in defeat to Ty Morris’ side.

It was the worst possible start for the home side as they fell fourteen points behind within the opening quarter. Speedster Lloyd Lewis was the first to cross, scything through Bridgend’s covering defence for a try converted by Lloyd.

Lewis was forced from the field shortly after and all at Bridgend Ravens wish him well with his injury.

The Black and Ambers continued their onslaught though and after Harvey Nash was carded, skipper Ben Roach powered over for their second try, converted by Lloyd.

Bridgend bounced back and dominated proceedings after that. The Ravens spurned a number of chances to shoot for goal and Newport’s strong defence prevented them getting back into the game.

Newport were reduced to 14 men themselves when Nathan Evans was sent to the sin bin, with Bridgend’s pressure seeing Josh Reid also yellow carded and the Gwent side reduced to 13 men.

Bridgend did make them pay, eventually. Newport erroneously kicked the ball dead, anticipating the half time whistle and from the resulting five metre scrum, Bridgend Ravens Supporters’ Man of the Match, Tommy Morgan charged over for a try improved by Luke Price.

The remainder of the half was Newport’s but some epic home defence saw them clear their lines and end the first half within a score.

HT Bridgend 7-14 Newport 

It was much of the same in the second half for Scott Baldwin’s side. They battled away, dominating possession and territory but found themselves up against a mean Newport defence.

It took Bridgend until the 67th minute to break through, after Newport continued to give away penalties in the red zone, a driving maul saw Freddie Chapman get his first try in blue and white. Debutant outside half replacement Lloyd Wilkins nailed a tough conversion.

From then on, it appeared that Bridgend would go on to win the game but ultimately the class of Newport won out. Their powerful scrum won a penalty with time up which was easily kicked by Lloyd. The Ravens did have time to fight back but couldn’t get hold of the ball from the restart and had to settle for a losing bonus point in defeat.

Bridgend are next in action in the Super Rygbi Cymru Cup at Talbot Athletic Ground against Aberavon next Saturday.