Bridgend Ravens kick started their Super Rygbi Cymru Cup campaign with a bonus point win over Cardiff at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon

The victory was Bridgend’s first win over the capital side at their home ground since 2017 and reignites Scott Baldwin’s sides chances of progressing to the final with games against Llandovery and RGC to come

Bridgend lost centre Ryan Wilkins to the bin for a high tackle early on, but the home side had the better of the opening exchanges and were first to score. Cameron Ellis made a nice break giving Bridgend good field position and with the resulting penalty, Edd Howley opened the scoring in the corner. He put the conversion wide.

It got better for the Ravens soon after with Mccauley Rowley picking off a loose Cardiff pass to race away and score, a try that was converted by Howley.

The league leaders battled back through and got back into the game with a penalty try that saw Barnaby Waddell sin binned. They continued to dominate with Bridgend down a man and Craig Hudd’s converted try put the Blue and Blacks ahead.

Bridgend had the final say of the half as Edd Howley punished his former side with a penalty to give the Ravens the most slender of leads at the break.

HT BRIDGEND 15-14 CARDIFF 

The conditions dictated the playing styles of both sides in the second half with a more tactical, kicking approach being adopted by each. Cardiff cracked first and after Cameron Ellis made another trademark break, he was able to dink ahead for Howley to score again.

This sparked Cardiff into life and despite some strong maul defence from the hosts, Lloyd Lucas found a way through to reduce the deficit. His conversion hit the uprights and ensured a nervous final 15 minutes for the home faithful.

As the clock turned red, Bridgend turned over the ball and after some nice hands, Ryan Wilkins coasted over to secure a bonus point victory for his side. Howley converted with the final act of the game to take away Cardiff’s bonus point and condemn them to a third straight cup defeat.

Bridgend are next in action against group leaders Llandovery at Church Bank on March 1st.