Murphy fires Ravens back to winning ways

RUGBY

It was the Black and Anbers first defeat since the Premiership merged in January and the Ravens’ first victory.

An attritional encounter under the lights in Bridgend was decided by the boot of Jamie Murphy, and full-back Jonny Phillips’ fifth try in just his sixth start for the club.

Both sides had opportunities to score tries in the opening quarter, how- ever the score was limited to two Matt O’Brien penalties for the visitors.

Jonathan Phillips was shown a yellow card with 25 minutes on the clock for a tackle in the air, but Newport couldn’t take advantage, with Bridgend adding three points from the boot of Jamie Murphy whilst down to 14.

Aaron Grabham looked to have a breakaway score as he handed off the last Newport defender but the wing stumbled with 10 metres to go.

Bridgend won a penalty with half-time on the horizon, only for Murphy’s penalty to strike the upright leaving three points between the teams at the break.

Matt O’Brien again added two penalties, pushing the visitors out to a ninepoint lead, before Bridgend burst into life with an hour played.

The skills of the Bridgend backline saw the hosts’ bag the first try of the match. Aaron Grabham made a half break through the resolute Newport defence. Replacement Joseph Gatt carried into the 22 and Jonathan Phillips was on hand to dot down. Murphy landed the tough touchline conversion to narrow the gap to two points.

A tight scoreline saw Supporters Man of The Match Jamie Murphy to the fore, first nailing a 45 metre penalty, before adding another with five minutes to go, this time from the left touchline.

Bridgend slowed the game down late on showing the poise to grind out the win, a victory that’s been building with some fine recent performances from the squad.