23 Oct Bridgend 32-37 Cardiff

Bridgend Ravens picked up two valuable bonus points in a high scoring defeat at home to Cardiff on Saturday. 

The Ravens showed great determination to come back from a 17 point deficit in the final quarter but the capital side were able to hold on to take all 5 points back to CF10. Bridgend bagged four tries through Zac O’Driscoll, Rhys Williams, Evan Yardley and Chris Williams and finished within seven points to claim two bonus league points despite the defeat.

The hosts started well and Luke Price gave them an early lead with a penalty goal. This stirred Cardiff into a reaction and Harrison James replied with two penalties of his own.

The rest of the half belonged to Cardiff; James Beal was the first to pounce out wide for a score, which the impressive James converted. Just before half time, James was able to add a try of his own with a neat show and go; a score which he converted.

With time ticking away, Bridgend battled back and Zac O’Driscoll scored his side’s first try which was converted by Price to end the half. Craig Hudd was sent to the bin for Cardiff on the half time whistle for repeated team offences near the goal line.

HT: Bridgend 10-20 Cardiff

Bridgend came out all guns blaring in the second half and Supporters’ Man of the Match Rhys Williams charging over for a try which Price converted. The Ravens had their tails up now but gave up the ball from the restart and were penalised trying to claw it back. James confidently extended the lead with a penalty

Price clawed back three with another penalty just two minutes later, but Cardiff stepped up a gear in a period which seemed to have taken the result away from Bridgend. Some soft defence allowed former Bridgend winger Dewi Cross a try and Will Davies King bagged five minutes later; both scores converted by Harrison James.

With 20 to go, the game seemed lost, but a flowing move saw Mike Powell make a break through the middle of the field before releasing a nice pass to Chris Williams who crossed for a lovely score on his 200th appearance. Price converting.

Zac O’Driscoll earned his side a penalty on half way which was put into the corner by Rhys Williams. A powerful forward surge saw former Cardiff hooker Evan Yardley roll over the line for an unconverted try, leaving Bridgend just 5 points shy with ten minutes left to play.

Cardiff knew they had to dig in and were able to repel a couple of strong charges from the Bridgend attack with the scoreline finishing 37pts to 32 in Cardiff’s favour. Bridgend will look to get back to winning ways next weekend, but face a difficult assignment against table topping Ebbw Vale at Ciner Glass Community Stadium, Eugune Cross Park (Saturday, 2:30pm).