02 Sep RAVENS SECOND DERBY DAY DOUBLE OVER TONDU AND ATHLETIC

Bridgend Ravens rounded out their pre-season preparations with a successful double-header at the Dunraven Brewery Field, facing off against local Championship sides Tondu and Bridgend Athletic in back-to-back encounters.

Match 1: Bridgend Ravens vs. Tondu

The Ravens first took on Championship West third-place finishers, Tondu. Bridgend started strongly, securing two first-half tries through Harry Olding and Lloyd Wilkins. Wilkins’ successful conversions gave the Ravens a commanding 14-0 lead after 20 minutes. Tondu managed to strike back just before halftime, narrowing the deficit to 14-5 at the break.

HT Bridgend Ravens 14-5 Tondu

In the second half, Bridgend intensified their efforts, with Dan Phillips adding two more tries, ultimately securing a 24-5 victory over the Waterwheelers.

Match 2: Bridgend Ravens vs. Bridgend Athletic

Following the Tondu match, the Ravens lined up against newly promoted Bridgend Athletic, featuring a significantly altered fifteen.

Bridgend Athletic drew first blood when a high ball in the driving rain eluded Edd Howley, allowing Dan Osarigie to pounce and score, with scrum-half Evan D’Adamo converting. The Ravens took some time to find their rhythm in the first half. A yellow card for The Ath’s Tom Morgan, followed by a penalty try awarded to the hosts from a powerful maul, brought the scores level at halftime.

HT Bridgend Ravens 7-7 Bridgend Athletic

The second half saw a much-improved performance from the Ravens. With the wind at their backs, they gained significant territory and possession, building momentum. Second-half tries from Ravens regulars Alfie Llewellyn and Mccauley Rowley, both well converted by Fraser Jones, propelled Bridgend to a 21-7 victory.

Head Coach Scott Baldwin and his coaching team will undoubtedly have much to analyse, having provided valuable game time to a large contingent of players. The Ravens now shift their focus to the opening round of Super Rygbi Cymru, where they welcome Carmarthen Quins to the Dunraven Brewery Field on September 13th.