Bulls bounce back to overcome Raiders
RUGBY LEAGUE
Raiders took a 6-0 lead early on through a Daf Phillips try that Taylor Phillips goaled but that was the first and only time in the match that they would be ahead.
Bridgend soon raced into a 22-6 lead after scoring four tries.
Ross Jones, Lewis Rees, Rhys Pope and Rory Bodenham all crossed for Bridgend with Nicky Giles goaling once and Nathan Hawkins twice.
Two unconverted tries for Iwan Mayze and Ben Hunter brought the score back to 22-18 at halftime,
Bridgend dominated season with training starting on July 13.
Last season’s very young squad struggled at times against more experienced sides but, as well as benefiting from that experience, the team will gain from the experience of newly elected captain Lloyd Jenkins and vice captain Mark Thomas as well as the return of some experienced players. Both Lloyd and Mark great success and everybody involved with the club would like to thank Mari and Alun Griffiths for their very kind sponsorship of the trophies that were presented on the second half.
Pope and Jones were soon both over for their second tries and a Raymond Evans effort, converted by Giles, took the score up to 36-18.
An Ellis Simon try, converted by Mayze, brought the score back to 36-24 but after Pope and Rory Bodenham went over for further Bridgend tries, Giles converting the second, the game was over.
Only a Rhys Davies try, converted by Mayze, gave the Raiders anything further to cheer about in the latter stages of the game.
Before this fixture the have played for the club for a number of seasons but their availability last season was very restricted. However, both will be available for all next season as well as assisting in the coaching set-up.
The off-field set-up for next season is also fully developed with Andrew Jones taking on the role of senior team co-ordinator, Mathew Davies and Nathan Morgan, both play- the night to the winners.
Player of the year: Andrew Harris
Players’ player of the year: Nathan Silverthorne
1st XV captain’s trophy: Andrew Harris Bulls U13s had taken on the Raiders U13s.
An enthusiastic Bulls team put up a spirited performance against a well drilled Raiders team.
They lost 50-16 but are not disappointed with the effort everyone put in.
The Bulls U17s took on the reigning U17s champions the South Wales Rabbitoes.
Again a heavy defeat was the result for a spirited Bulls team. Losing 64-22 will hurt for a bit but a lot of progress has been made since the side came together under two weeks ago. ers who are laid up with injury at present, acting as team managers, Andrew Thomas, Paul Morgan and Rhian Jones carrying out the first aid duties between them and Mike Phillips will continue as fixture secretary.
Anyone who is interested in joining the club can call Pete on 07852 289419 or Leighton on 07399 430382 or email Andrew on ajones.mw@gmail.com
The Gwyn “Jaffa” Griffiths clubman of the year: Nicky Harris
Most improved player of the year: Dylan Phillips
Spirit of club award: Jordan Lewis