Bridgend Ravens were punished by a clinical Cardiff side in defeat at the Arms Park on Saturday.

The Blue and Blacks ran away with the tie in the final fifteen minutes in a scoreline which will flatter the home side. Bridgend will be wondering what might have been after a spirited display in the capital left them empty handed.

Cardiff started at their rampaging best and were 21-0 to the good in the first quarter. Tries from Dewi Cross, Elijah Evans and Alun Rees, all converted by Harri Wilde.

The visitors, backed by significant travelling support, fought back valiantly. Ryan Wilkins was the first to score following some nice hands, a try which Callaghan Smith, deputising for the injured Ben Burnell, converted.

Cardiff’s defence seemed to have repelled any further hope of a Ravens comeback but McCauley Rowley was able to get another try for Bridgend as the half drew to a close. Callaghan Smith nailed a neat conversion to bring Bridgend within seven points.

HT Cardiff 21-14 Bridgend 

The start of the second half was one full of niggle and Bridgend’s Harvey Nash and Cardiff’s Luca De Rua saw yellow.

Bridgend were camped in Cardiff’s 22 for a long period, but the home side went from touchline to touchline from a turnover which saw Dewi Cross get the bonus point try with 12 minutes to go. Wilde converted.

With the game in its last knockings, Cardiff’s fitness and class shone through as they bagged three more tries in the final ten minutes. Sean Moore, Jason Harries and Benji Williams wrapped up victory for the Blue and Blacks.

Bridgend now take a break from action, with their next fixture a home match against Carmarthen Quins on Friday 22nd November up next.