Ravens settle for losing bonus point
CROSS KEYS ............... 16 BRIDGEND RAVENS .. 13
BRIDGEND RAVENS just missed out on doing the double over Cross Keys in a close game at Pandy Park last Friday.
Josh Prosser kicked Cross Keys into an early lead before Joseph Scrivens levelled after 10 min- utes.
Keys full back Prosser was on target again heading into the second quarter, landing a second penalty before Bridgend struck for the game’s opening try.
A penalty kicked to the Cross Keys 22 set the Ravens up for their best attacking opportunity of the half.
Keiron Jenkins gathered the lineout and burst up to
Both clubs are keen for the big showdown to go ahead and have agreed that rolling subs will be used on the day.
This keenest of local derbies has been a talking point in the pubs and clubs of the valley for more than a century with the first game of any major importance between these neighbours being the Keys 22.
Supporters’ Man-ofthe-Match Tom Morgan broke through into the 22 and the flanker’s pass found Will Baird in support to score. Scrivens kicked the conversion.
Scrivens added a second penalty of his own to give the Ravens a 13-6 lead at half-time.
Despite an incredible defensive effort throughout the second half, Brid- played back in 1904 at the Brewery Field.
Pontycymer won that game 3-0 with a certain D Fieven scoring the points.
That match was played to gain Welsh Rugby Union status for Pontycymer as the ruling then was that only one club within a mile radius of another could become a gend were unable to keep Keys out and hold on to the lead.
Iestyn Merriman was shown a yellow card just five minutes into the second half.
Cross Keys attempted to drive a scrum over the line. A solid seven man scrum from Bridgend forced Ieuan Jones to pick up from the base and the No 8 had the power to drive over the line. Pross- WRU member, Blaengarw joined a few years later.
As time passed, the derby match became an annual Christmas fixture, played every year on Christmas Day morning to gain the yuletide bragging rights. Both clubs have had their moments since that first meeting way over a century ago.
There will be another er’s conversion levelled the scores with 10 minutes played.
With Bridgend failing to add to their tally in the second half, Keys full back Prosser struck his third penalty edging the hosts ahead with 10 minutes left to play. Bridgend threw everything at a winning score late on but were unable to get what they needed and had to settle for a losing bonus point. meeting shortly to confirm more details about this mouth-watering tie. There will be refreshment stalls on the day, also there will be a grand raffle and auction, held after the game at the clubhouse.
It’s also hoped that the Valley Ravens mini rugby section will be playing a curtain raiser before the main event as well.