Bridgend Ravens beat English National League 1 side Plymouth Albion at the Dunraven Brewery Field to make it two wins from two so far in pre-season.

Scott Baldwin’s side were made to work hard for the win in his first home game in charge, as 30 players were given the opportunity to impress the new Head Coach ahead of the commencement of the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru campaign in three weeks’ time.

Bridgend started the better and only misfortune prevented them striking within the first 15 minutes. The home side’s persistence eventually paid off with scrum half Harvey Nash darting through a gap to dot down near the posts. Ben Burnell’s conversion was charged down.

Nash’s afternoon quickly took a turn for the worse though as moments later he received a yellow card for his role in an off the ball incident by referee Keith David.

Albion’s tails were up but the home side were able to hold firm for the duration of the sin bin. Frustratingly for Bridgend, Harry Olding was then carded almost immediately after Nash had come back on to the field.

This stirred a further response from Bridgend, who put together some smart moves in attack despite being down a man. The half appeared to be fading away without incident, but Bridgend’s Kyle Harris and Plymouth’s Torin Clarke were also sent to the sin bin in the final act of the first period.

HT Bridgend 5-0 Plymouth 

Bridgend made just one change at the break, with Gabe Lacey replacing Tommy Morgan as they set about more of the same for the second period.

It took the Ravens just six minutes to extend their lead with powerful Number 8, Jordan Collier, forcing his way over for an unconverted score.

Plymouth hit back after 50 with a break away score to pull them within 5 on the scoreboard with Jake Clemson scoring a try converted by Legg.

Baldwin took the opportunity to make a raft of changes following this, giving the game a slightly disjointed feel. However, the changes didn’t really take anything away from his sides dominance and some further pressure up front saw Albion’s Jake Bond sent to the sin bin.

Bridgend wrapped up the victory moments later. A neat cross field kick from Luke Price landed in the hands of wing McCauley Rowley who threw the covering defence a dummy to bag a try on his home debut. Price’s conversion went wide.