25 Mar Merthyr 38-13 Bridgend

Bridgend fell to defeat as a late Merthyr flurry saw the Wern outfit secure a bonus point win under the lights on Friday night.Bridgend started on the front foot and will have been disappointed not to have scored more during their opening dominance.

The visitors had to settle for an early Like Price penalty taking a 3 nil lead with 5 minutes played.Iestyn Merriman was shown yellow for a high tackle and Merthyr made the extra man count bagging the games first try through their powerful maul effort. With five minutes to play, Bridgend struck back as Edd Howley’s inventive kick allowed Connor Tantum to win possession in the Hosts 22. The Scrum Half found Dafi Davies in support for the score. Price converted to give Bridgend a 3 point halftime lead.

HT Merthyr RFC 7-10 Bridgend Ravens

The Ironmen earned a Penalty try just two minutes into the second half as another powerful maul drive edged towards the line. Zach O’Driscoll was shown yellow.The Ravens should have added to their tally as they attacked deep in the Merthyr 22. Bridgend were eventually held up and gave Merthyr the chance to clear.

Josh Lewis and Luke Price traded penalties as the clock crept past the hour mark. Bridgend found themselves just 4 points behind with less than a quarter to play, but it was the hosts that would up the tempo and race in for three tries to wrap up a bonus point victory and see Bridgend leave empty handed. Teri Gee, Phil Rees and Morgan Meaclem all touched down as Merthyr stretched away late seeing Bridgend downed by 38 points to 13 at the final whistle.

Plenty of positivity for Bridgend, who kept pace with title chasing Merthyr for 65 minutes despite indiscipline seeing them play 20 of those with 14 men. Bridgend will be looking to continue their excellent home form next Saturday as Llandovery, another title chasing side, visit the Dunraven Brewery Field.