21 Dec Bridgend 28-34 RGC
Bridgend’s stirring second half comeback wasn’t enough as RGC claimed a bonus point victory at Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Ravens left themselves too much to do after a poor first half performance gifted the Gogs a 20 point half time advantage. Bridgend fought back valiantly in the second half but it wasn’t enough to stop a sixth straight league defeat.
RGC had a strong wind advantage in the first half, but Bridgend started the brighter and the impressive Mccauley Rowley charged up field, but his pass to Ben Burnell was knocked on.
Moments later, RGC’s Billy McBryde lined up a shot at goal from half way which drifted well short. He made no mistake two minutes later, giving his side the lead with a successful penalty.
The Gogs extended their lead soon after. Some nice hands from Harri Hughes put Dion Jones through to score their first try of the afternoon. Bridgend’s players protested that the pass in midfield was forward but referee Matthew Leon awarded the try, which was improved by McBryde.
Bridgend battled back and Ben Burnell’s soft hands put Rowley in for a try under the posts which Burnell converted. That’s as good as it got in the first forty for Bridgend though as RGC took control of the match.
Former Wales u20’s flanker Ethan Fackrell was the first to benefit from some weak home defence to score out wide, a try which was again converted by McBryde.
The visitors weren’t done yet. Tighthead prop Pedr Jones bust through a couple of would be tacklers on half way before releasing back row Dan Owen who stepped his way to RGC’s third try which was again converted by McBryde.
With the final act of the half, McBryde punished further Bridgend indiscipline with another three points to take his side to a 20 point half time lead.
HT Bridgend 7-27 RGC
Bridgend came out all guns blazing in the second half and within five minutes, pulled a try back. The home side’s powerful driving maul worked well all afternoon and Evan Yardley was able to get his first try of the game. Burnell converted.
The Ravens now had their tails up but RGC half backs Roderick and McBryde played some sensible tactical rugby to keep Bridgend at bay. The North Walians hit back soon after with a try from hooker Rhodri King, duly converted by McBryde.
Bridgend were chasing the game now and three minutes later, Evan Yardley was at the tail of another driving maul to pull Bridgend back into the game for a try improved by Burnell.
The momentum swung in Bridgend’s favour following this – RGC’s Ilan Evans was yellow carded following repeated infringements before the home side were awarded a penalty try from a powerful forward surge. A second yellow card, this time for Celt Ffrancis Roberts duly followed and Bridgend had their tails up.
The home side fought to get the winning score but couldn’t find a way to break the visitors’ resolve again and had to settle for more bonus points in defeat.
The sides meet again next Saturday at Stadiwm CSM with the later kick off time of 5:15pm.