12 Sep ABERAVON 36-17 BRIDGEND

Aberavon started their 150th anniversary season with an impressive comeback win over Bridgend Ravens at Talbot Athletic Ground.

Things couldn’t have gone much better for Scott Baldwin’s side in the opening 20 minutes as they raced into a 17pts to 0 lead. It was all Aberavon from that moment on though, as the Wizards picked up six points to kick off their season in style. 

The Ravens had the perfect start with wing Ben Evans, making his comeback from a long term injury, crossing out wide after just nine minutes. Kicking into the wind, Ben Burnell’s conversion went wide. 

Former Bridgend second row Evan Hill was sent to the bin by Ben Whitehouse for an offence at the lineout soon after, and the home side were made to pay. A powerful driving maul was forced over the line with Ioan Davies the scorer. Burnell’s conversion was successful. 

The visitors had the wing in their sails and after Mccauley Rowley swept up field, Harvey Nash charged in support to score Bridgend’s third with only 17 minutes played, and it seemed like the result was going just one way.

Aberavon hit back through, first through a driving maul score from Luke Davies and then a nicely worked try from full back Morgan Williams, both converted by Charlie Thomas. 

HT Aberavon 14-17 Bridgend

Bridgend had the wind advantage in the second period but failed to capitalise as Aberavon scored 22 unanswered points to secure the win. Ashton Evans gave Aberavon the lead just after the break, powering over from close range. 

Frankie Jones put the Wizards clear with a try, converted by Thomas at the midway point of the half before Garyn Smith put the result beyond doubt as time ran out. 

Aberavon weren’t finished there though – Frankie Jones scored again with the clock red and Chris Davies’ side celebrated a hugely impressive start to the new season. Bridgend will lick their wounds and head to Pontypool Park next up on Saturday (2:30pm).