21 Sep Bridgend 17-34 Ebbw Vale

Bridgend Ravens were overpowered by Ebbw Vale’s forward muscle as the Steelmen went top of the Super Rygbi Cymru standings with a 6 point win at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday. 

The match began in an edgy fashion, with Ebbw Vale drawing first blood through a penalty in the 7th minute. Bridgend responded in the 26th minute when Fraser Jones successfully landed a penalty, levelling the scores.

However, Ebbw Vale quickly regained the advantage. A missed kick to touch handed Ebbw Vale good field position, and Dafydd Thomas sliced through the defence to score. Evan Lloyd converted.

Bridgend pressed hard late in the first half but were unable to convert their opportunities.

HT Bridgend Ravens 3-10 Ebbw Vale

Ebbw Vale’s forward power told in the second half, seeing them secure maximum points as the conditions worsened and played into their powerful packs hands.

Ebbw Vale extended their lead with a try from a maul by Ieuan Morris, converted by Evan Lloyd.

Joe Franchi added another try for Ebbw Vale in the 61st minute, which was also converted, further widening the gap.

The visitors bagged a bonus point try with 66 minutes on the clock, putting the result beyond any doubt.

Bridgend finally found their rhythm in the 73rd minute when McCauley Rowley broke down the wing, and Harvey Nash was in support to score. The conversion by Luke Price was good, bringing the score to 10-31. Bridgend continued to fight, securing another try through a maul by Corey Lewis in the 77th minute, with a successful conversion making it 17-31.

Ebbw Vale ultimately sealed their victory with a late penalty, extending their lead beyond the 15 point mark to secure a sixth league point from the match cementing themselves at the top of the early league standings.