Ravens up to third in race for play-offs spot
BRIDGEND RAVENS .. 19 SWANSEA ...................... 0
BRIDGEND Ravens overcame Ospreys rivals Swansea at the Bridgendford Brewery Field to climb up to third spot in the race for the Premiership Tier 2 play-offs.
The first half was dominated by the defences of both sides saw Bridgend head in at half-time with a 3-0 lead thanks to an eighth-minute penalty from Jamie Murphy.
Bridgend should have added tries throughout the half, Mike Powell broke away out wide but Swansea held Bridgend up over the line and Murphy touched down just before half-time but play was pulled back for a foot in touch following great fast hands from Tom Morgan and Tom O’Flaherty.
Swansea’s only real chance for a try throughout the match came midway through the first half. A scrum deep in the Ravens 22 set the platform for the Whites to attack but Bridgend Ravens Supporters Man-ofthe-Match Gareth Beer, destructive at the breakdown all afternoon, won an important turnover to halt a threatening Swansea attack.
The Bridgend defence looked comfortable all match and was rarely troubled throughout the second half. Despite an edgy start to the second half, Bridgend looked the more likely to score.
A break from Mathew Edwards put them in a great attacking situation. A lazy run from an offside position from Tudor Hughes saw the lock shown a yellow card and Bridgend looked to punish the visitors.
The first try of the match arrived at the hour mark following a fantastic counter attack from flyer Tom O’Flaherty. Beating the Swansea defence for pace and able to break three tackles on his way into the Swansea 22, O’Flaherty was looking to finish in the corner. The Swansea scramble defence looked to be edging O’Flaherty into touch and the move looked to break down as the inside ball was batted down by the visitors. Up in support, Michael Powell was the quickest to react to the loose ball bagging the Ravens first try.
Murphy added two further penalties to stretch the Bridgend lead to 14-0 with the clock winding down before the influential centre crashed over for the Ravens’ second try. Strong carrying from Mat- thew John and Ollie Evans put Bridgend on the front foot. Another line break from full back Mathew Edwards followed by quick recycling left a big gap for Murphy to take his personal tally to 14 points for the match.
An important victory for Bridgend lifts them into third spot in the race for the play-offs, as well as providing a boost to confi- dence.
The Ravens will now be looking for a strong finish to the campaign with just three regular season matches remaining.
THE Ravens have organised an additional friendly fixture, against Llanharan at the Dairy Field on Wednesday April 19 (7.15pm) as part of the Dairymen’s 125th anniversary celebrations.