Bridgend beaten by top-class opponents

AMPTHILL ...................43 BRIDGEND RAVENS ..15

BRIDGEND Ravens were well beaten by a powerful Ampthill side at Dillingham Park in their second pre-season friendly.

To put things in perspective, Ampthill finished fourth last season in National League 1 behind Richmond, Hartpury College and Blackheath and they had a typically massive English pack of forwards including former Bridgend and Cardiff Blues back rower Maama Molitika.

Ampthill led 24-10 at the interval after a flurry of tries when Bridgend second row Gavin Bilton was harshly sent to the bin.

It took the hosts just eight minutes to score their first try with Joseph Bercis being the man to bundle over. Joseph Scrivens deservedly reduced the arrears 10 minutes later with a well struck penalty.

Scrivens then put two shots wide before William Goodge scored the As second try.

Joe Tarrant superbly converted. Bilton was sent to the bin before Ampthill scored through Tarrant and Baker.

Morgan Jones grabbed a consolation for Bridgend after a lightening break from winger Ryan Davies allowed him to cross under the posts. Scrivens converted with the last kick of the half.

Maama Molitika came back to haunt his former side with a try early in the second half.

Bridgend really fought back into it for the next quarter, with Huw Wilkes claiming a try on the hour.

Bridgend peppered the hosts line but it was to no avail.

A costly yellow card for Kyle Evans led to parity being restored and Ampthill scored two further tries – through Ma’asi and Elliot Reeder.

It was another worthwhile workout for Matt Silva’s squad as preparations continue for the opening Principality Premiership game of the season against RGC1404 in a fortnight.

Pre-season preparations are finalised with a trip to Treorchy next Saturday (ko 2.30pm) followed by the Fosters National 7s the following day where Bridgend will face RGC1404 in round one.