12 Apr CARMARTHEN 32-24 BRIDGEND
Bridgend Ravens fell to defeat at Carmarthen Park leaving their top 6 hopes hanging by a thread.
The Ravens led at the interval after a promising first half which saw tries through back three speedsters Cam Ellis, Edd Howley and Jake Thomas giving them a half time lead. The Quins roared back in the second half to take all five points, leapfrogging Bridgend and leaving the Ravens in 8th with just one regular season game remaining.
Quins started the better and scored twice within the opening 15 minutes. Lewis Morgan and Iestyn Wood the scorers, with Titcombe converting the first.
Bridgend battled back and after Edd Howley made a nice break, Supporters’ Man of the Match Cameron Ellis scored out wide. Ben Burnell converted.
The Ravens stepped it up a gear and Edd Howley took matters into his own hands to bundle over for his sides second. Burnell again kicking the conversion.
With the match finely balanced, Jake Thomas made the most of a midfield blunder from the Quins to hack ahead and win a foot race to score the Ravens third try of the afternoon. Burnell was able to easily knock over a straightforward conversion.
Carmarthen ended the half strongly, and after Alfie Llewellyn was binned for stopping a Carmarthen quick penalty, wing Callum Woolley crossed out wide. The conversion slipped wide and Bridgend held a narrow advantage at the break.
HT Carmarthen 17-21 BridgendÂ
Bridgend never really got going in the second half and Carmarthen took full advantage. Titcombe kicked an early 3, to which Burnell responded to restore Bridgend’s advantage. That’s as good as it got for Baldwin’s side through as the West Walians gave their playoff hopes a boost with a determined second half showing.
Scarlets youngsters Gabe MacDonald and Archie Hughes crossed the whitewash to secure a 5 point win for the Quins, with Titcombe converting one which ultimately proved enough for victory.
Bridgend continued to press to get something from the game and despite a late rally, Carmarthen held firm and the Ravens left West Wales empty handed.
The regular season ends on Thursday evening for the Ravens with a televised home match against Llandovery at the Dunraven Brewery Field (7:30pm).