Wizards’ cutting edge a bonus for Hyatt

BRIDGEND..........................15 ABERAVON.........................24

ABERAVON’S unbeaten start to the season continued as they claimed a valuable win at Bridgend.

The Wizards are top of the Premiership Cup’s Western Conference and look the most complete side in the competition with players such as former Wales Under-20s centre Joe Thomas and powerful tight-head Nicky Thomas impressing.

Bridgend were always in the game, but they lacked the cutting edge of the Wizards behind the scrum.

Jason Hyatt’s side were full of confidence as they took the game to Bridgend, with Iestyn Merriman sent to the sin-bin for the hosts. And the visitors made the most of their numerical advantage when left-wing Steffan Andrews touched down, with Aled Thomas converting.

Bridgend received their second yellow card when Jamie Murphy was sent to the bin for deliberately knocking the ball on in the build-up to the try. The hosts began to grind their way back into the game with two penalties from Owen Howe.

But Aberavon came out of the blocks firing in the second half when scrum-half Rhodri Cole raced clear to score, with Thomas adding the extras. Yet they couldn’t quite shake off Bridgend, with Howe kicking two penalties which reduced the lead to two points.

Flanker Andrew Waite scored Aberavon’s third try as he powered his way over, but another penalty from Howe kept Bridgend within touching distance.

But Ieuan Davies sealed the win for Aberavon with their bonus-point try.

BRIDGEND – Pens: O. Howe (5). ABERAVON – Tries – S. Andrews, R. Cole, A. Waite, I. Davies. Cons: A. Thomas (2).