04 May CARDIFF 31-19 BRIDGEND

Bridgend Ravens gave table toppers Cardiff a fright, but the capital city side progressed to the semi-final of Super Rygbi Cymru after a titanic tussle at the Arms Park.

Scott Baldwin’s side were in the game until the very end, with a late Joe Williams try securing victory for Cardiff as the Ravens tried to take the tie to extra time.

It was an even start to proceedings, with Cardiff having the better of the opening quarter. Their pressure eventually paid when Tom Harper crossed for an unconverted try.

The Blue and Blacks piled on the pressure and after Tom Florence saw yellow for a late tackle, full back Matty Young got his side’s second of the afternoon. Wales u20’s star Stef Emanuel converted.

The visitors, backed by a sizable and vocal travelling support, got back into the game as it edged towards half time. Jason Harries was yellow carded for a reckless hit on Ben Burnell and Bridgend were able to make the most of the extra man as Jake Thomas finished off a nice score in the corner.

HT Cardiff 12-5 Bridgend

Despite being a man down, Cardiff got the first score of the second half through former Ravens wide man, Dewi Cross. Emanuel once again added the extras to extend his side’s lead.

Back came Bridgend though, and Burnell’s nicely weighted cross kick saw Thomas get another, which Burnell converted.

The Ravens had grown into the game by this stage, but Burnell missed the chance to reduce the deficit by putting a penalty wide.

Cardiff were able to stretch their lead once again soon after with a converted try from Nathan Hudd.

Just when it seemed the game was over, Luke Price put Ryan Wilkins through to put Bridgend back within touching distance. Burnell made no mistake with the extras and Bridgend’s travelling fans were starting to believe another comeback was on the cards.

They thought they’d completed the turnaround when Edd Howley scythed through Cardiff’s defence before lofting a lovely pass to Jake Thomas to break away. Referee Ben Connor adjudged the pass to have gone forward and Cardiff were awarded a penalty as Bridgend protested the decision.

With the clock red, and Bridgend in possession, the Ravens tried to play out from their own 22 but were caught napping and Joe Williams wrapped up Cardiff’s semi final place with a try which went unconverted. That was the final act of the game and of Bridgend’s 2024/2025 campaign.