01 Nov BRIDGEND 29-40 NEWPORT

Bridgend Ravens were once again left wondering what might have been in a home defeat against Newport at the Brewery Field on Saturday.

Scott Baldwin’s side were in control at 10pts to 0 up midway through the second half, before a frantic 10 minutes saw them ship four tries to trail 26pts to 10 at the break. Despite two early tries in the second half and dominating proceedings, the Ravens couldn’t quite do enough for victory as Newport crossed twice more to Bridgend’s single score in the final throes to earn their second victory of the campaign.

Things started well and Bridgend should have scored the opener after just eight minutes. Lloyd Wilkins was at the heart of the move which saw Cameron Ellis make a smart break. Ellis released Harvey Nash who dotted down but was adjudged by referee Adam Jones to have knocked the ball on in the act of scoring.

Bridgend didn’t have to wait long for their opener though when Ospreys Academy star Ben Evans was on the end of another sumptuous pass from Wilkins to score out wide. Ben Burnell’s conversion was pulled wide.

With momentum firmly with the home side, Lloyd Wilkins got in on the act himself to extend his side’s lead with a try out wide. Burnell’s conversion was wide again.

The Ravens were in control but a wayward penalty kick for touch from Burnell gave Newport possession and the champions showed their class. They went from coast to coast and Matt O’Brien bagged a try converted by Dragons’ Jac Lloyd.

Wade Langley scored for Newport four minutes later to give them the lead, although Lloyd’s conversion went wide.

Play became chaotic and the Black and Ambers stamped their authority on the scoreboard after Barney Langton Cryer’s break was finished off by wing Fin Baker. Lloyd made no mistake with the conversion this time.

There was time for one more try for Newport – their bonus point, through scrum half Che Hope, extending the visitor’s lead to 16 points at the break.

HT BRIDGEND 10-26 NEWPORT

Bridgend started the second half on fire and Ben Evans crossed after just two minutes, with Fraser Jones converting.

Supporters’ Man of the Match Jones was at the heart of it four minutes later, making a nice midfield break and feeding Joseph Gatt to score near the posts. He added a conversion and Bridgend were back within two points.

With 15 to go and conditions becoming increasingly difficult, Bridgend earned a kickable penalty in the Newport 22. Ben Burnell went to the corner and after the first driving maul was halted illegally, a second lineout was overthrown and Newport counter attacked with speed, once again going from end to end, and O’Brien bagged his second of the game, converted by Lloyd.

With Bridgend having to chase the game, Newport picked off a loose move which saw O’Brien pick out youngster Noah Morgan with a pinpoint cross kick to score. Lloyd added another conversion.

Bridgend had the last say when prop Jared Williams bundled over from close range. Fraser Jones’ drop goal conversion attempt sailed wide and that was just about it for the tie.

The Ravens are at home again on Saturday when RGC visit the Brewery Field (2:30pm).