Ravens provide Silva service in relegation shoot-out

BRIDGEND gave their head coach Matt Silva the perfect birthday present as they secured a vital bonus-point win in their relegation battle with fellow strugglers Bargoed.

The Ravens have spent all season at the wrong end of the table but this could yet prove a vital result as they bid to avoid dropping into the Championship.

A filthy evening at the Brewery Field didn't point to a classic but in the end, Bridgend scored five tries to prove comfortable winners.

Silva’s men took a twopoint advantage into the interval. After a cagey opening 15 minutes, the deadlock was broken when Ravens scrum-half Chris Williams dived over for the opening try.

Josh Prosser narrowed Bargoed’s deficit before the break with a penalty and when the game resumed a second threepoint effort from the fly-half putting the visitors ahead.

Falling behind woke Bridgend up and lock Ben Jones crossed after more than 20 phases and Owen Howe converted. Still, Bargoed refused to go away.

Duane Dyer grabbed their first try after collecting a cross-kick but when Adam Coupe was yellow-carded for the visitors for repeated infringements at the breakdown, Bridgend pulled away.

Captain Nathan Edwards put the hosts further clear before replacement back Caine Woolerton added the crucial fourth try and substitute scrum-half Connor Tantum completed the scoring, with Howe converting two of those efforts.