19 Sep Pontypridd 26-30 Bridgend Ravens

Bridgend launched their Indigo Premiership Cup campaign with a bonus point victory at Sardis Road on Saturday afternoon.

The Ravens built a strong lead throughout the match, but Ponty clawed their way back to set up an incredibly tense finish.

The hosts’ powerful scrum set a good platform throughout the tie however the combatant Bridgend defence forced the home side to cough up possession on numerous occasions. Bridgend used the ball well to run in four tries plus 10 points from the boot of Supporters Man Of The Match Luke Price.

Pontypridd struck first through Kristian Parker, powering over after their maul effort went close.

Luke Price slotted three from the tee just a couple of minutes later as Bridgend built into the game, Price added a second as the 20 minute mark approached.

Caine Woolerton bagged the Ravens first try following a lightning break from Mike Powell on the wing. Powell found Chris Williams but the scrum half was chased down. Quick ball spread wide saw Caine dot down for the score. Price converted.

Shortly before the halftime break, Bridgend struck for a second as their maul effort saw Jack Pope get over the line. Price’s conversion slipped wide seeing the Ravens head in at the break with a 13 point lead.

HT Pontypridd RFC 5-18 Bridgend Ravens

Much like the first half, Pontypridd raced out of the blocks before Bridgend built into the game again, bagging two more second half tries to secure a bonus point.

A fast start saw Ponty notch a second try of the match just 3 minutes into the half. The successful conversion closed the gap to 4.

Bridgend struck back immediately to restore their 13 point advantage. After some sloppy play in midfield, Luke Price broke the line finding Evan Yardley with the switch pass. Yardley broke into the 22 and found Hemi Barnes in support. Barnes headed for the line but was scragged down, keeping the break alive Barnes popped the ball up to Chris Williams who dived over for the score. Price adding the extras.

With the hosts throwing everything at the Bridgend defence, trying to get back in the game, more poor Ponty handling allowed Mike Powell to gather and set Edd Howley away. Howley raced 90 metres, with no chance of being caught, touching down out wide.

Bridgend now had a handy 18 point lead, which the hosts threw everything at chasing down.

Entering the final 10 minutes, Ponty were awarded a penalty try. Bridgend lost Bowen Davies to the bin. Continuing their late onslaught Tommy Morgan who swapped Blue and White for Black and White over the summer added a fourth for the hosts. The conversion narrowed the gap to four points, with time for the kick off.

As Raven nerves built, Pontypridd again broke into the Ravens 22 but further poor handling saw the final whistle arrive.

Bridgend will savour the bonus point start to their Premiership Cup campaign, but will have to repeat their efforts as they travel to Sardis Road back to back, this time in a league clash looking for their first points of the season.