05 Oct BRIDGEND 26-26 SWANSEA

Bridgend Ravens battled back from 21-0 down to secure a hard earned draw against Swansea at the Electric Brewery Field.

Baldwin’s men made a terrible start, shipping three early scores but showed incredible character to pick up three league points – perhaps feeling unlucky not to win themselves at the end.

It started poorly with Swansea striking twice through scrum half Matthew Aubrey. The All Whites played some scintillating rugby in the sunshine with the 9 finishing both moves. Josh Phillips added both conversions.

It got worse for Bridgend when hooker Jamie Cox bundled over for Swansea’s third, again converted by Phillips to seemingly end the match as a contest.

The Ravens battled back and bagged a driving maul try of their own through Dom Manaseitava. Fraser Jones’ conversion slipped wide and it got worse for Bridgend as half time dawned. Lewis Edwards was on the end of a fine backs move to score out wide.

That wasn’t it though, as Bridgend’s Manaseitava again benefitted from a driving maul to score, a try improved by Jones.

HT Bridgend 12-26 Swansea 

Swansea failed to score in the second half as Bridgend staged a comeback to earn themselves a share of the points. After Tom Crockett was yellow carded for Swansea, Ryan Wilkins raced in for a try converted by Jones to make it a one score game.

It was all Bridgend at this point, despite a yellow card of their own for Marc Thomas. They had to be patient and it was Nick Fisk Jones that burrowed over for a try, converted by Jones that levelled the scores.

Bridgend and Swansea both had opportunities to win at the death. The Ravens turned down a kickable three and opted for a scrum with 5 to go, with Swansea turning down the same in injury time to head for the corner. Neither side was able to find a winner and the Ospreylian rivals had to enjoy a share of the spoils.

Bridgend are at home again on Thursday evening when Aberavon visit the Electric Brewery Field (7:30pm).