23 Nov Bridgend 29-35 Carmarthen

Bridgend Ravens were edged by Carmarthen Quins in a tight Super Rygbi Cymru clash under the Dunraven Brewery Field lights on Friday evening.

Bridgend claimed two bonus points in defeat, but will rue missed kicks in a closely fought battle with the Quins.

The hosts’ started the brighter bagging two tries in the opening 25 minutes. Carmarthen opened the scoring through the impressive Charlie Titcombe with a fifth minute penalty.  

A sublime Ravens opener saw a deft chip from Ben Burnell claimed by Jake Thomas. The flyer stepped through the covering defence to touch down. Burnell converted. 

Bridgend bagged a second from close range as the pack powered towards the line. Corey Lewis was the man to burst over for the score. The conversion from Burnell went wide.

Carmarthen fought back to lead by 8 points at halftime. Bridgend handed the visitors opportunities with their poor discipline as the half went on. Two maul efforts in the Ravens 22 resulted in converted tries, plus three more from the Tee for Titcombe saw Carmarthen stretch out a 20 points to 12 lead at the break. 

HT Bridgend Ravens 12-20 Carmarthen Quins  

Carmarthen struck early in the second half to extend their lead, as Bridgend lost concentration. The visitors tapped a penalty in their own 22 and raced 80 metres for a score. Titcombe converted.  

The Ravens set about closing the gap and upped the tempo. A maul drive from close range saw Debutant Tyler Olding burrow over for the first of three Ravens second half tries. 

Carmarthen seemingly dashed the Ravens hopes of a comeback with their fourth try of the evening. More indiscipline handed an excellent attacking position to the Quins who capitalised with the score.  

Bridgend narrowed the lead again with a second maul try. Tyler Olding steered the pack over the line to touch down for his second. 

The Ravens struck for a fifth try of the evening, reigniting hopes of a comeback victory. Another lineout deep in Carmarthen territory set up the score, this time the ball was sent down the short side with Harvey Nash racing onto it to score. Edd Howley, taking over the kicking duties, landed and excellent touchline conversion to narrow the gap to 3. 

Hopes of a victory were dashed as Carmarthen held firm late on, Charlie Titcombe landed another three points from the tee with the last kick of the game, bringing the outside halves’ tally to 20 points, condemning the Ravens to defeat.