Double on for Ravens

BRIDGEND Hockey Club remain on course for a league and cup double after punching their ticket through to the Welsh Trophy final, writes Tony Poole.

Last Saturday, the Ravens flew to a 5-1 victory over Swansea University in the Welsh Trophy having the previous weekend been crowned De Cymru & The Marches One champions.

They had dominated the division all season, and eventually closed out the title by seven points over Leominster.

And with the league silverware safely tucked away, they last Saturday chased cup glory.

The Ravens were certainly up for the cup against the Students but with Swansea having also dominated their league campaign, this was a true test of Bridgend ambition.

The Ravens made a purposeful start and they carved out a lead goal from a short corner – Rhys Owen the man to hit the backboard.

Bridgend goal minder Adrian Hibbert was then called on to make a couple of smart saves before the Ravens were awarded a penalty stroke.

Rhys Owen made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, and it was 2-0 at the break.

With Rhydian Cole fir- ing the Ravens they remained the dominant force and they were out of sight once the next goal unfolded.

Bridgend Town cricket star Thomas Pearce dished up a goal on a plate for Timmy Hodges and the pace of young Paul Jones then shone through like a beacon.

Timmy Hodges got another goal before the Students reduced arrears to 4-1, but the final word went to the Ravens.

With Timmy Hodges playing alongside his brothers Michael and Jacob for a first time, he showed them who was boss in completing a late goal hat-trick.