Whites coach pleased with spirit after late score

SWANSEA head coach Hugh Gustafson couldn’t have been happier with the way his side fought back to snatch victory at the Brewery Field.

In many ways it was pay back for the extraordinary way that Bridgend that won their WRU Premiership Cup tie at St Helen’s with the now famous ‘headed try’ from Ed Howley that earned his side a 20-13 victory.

This time it was a last-gasp interception score from Whites flyhalf James Davies that gifted the visitors a win that moved them clear of the bottom two.

“The way we came back from 10 points down with five minutes left was huge,” said Gustafson. “The character we’ve shown in recent weeks has been great.”

Jamie Murphy kicked the home side into the lead, but the visitors responded when Owen Thomas made a break that helped create an overlap try for Harvey James.

Murphy and Davies exchanged penalties before Dewi Cross sprinted over for a try fore the hosts.

Davies added another penalty for the All Whites before Paul Short replied to edge the home team back in front. Bridgend’s second try came from a moment of magic by Rob Dudley-Jones, who burst through a tackle, found Cai Lewis in support and paved the way for Dai Pritchard to cross.

With the last play of the game an error by Pritchard gifted Swansea an unexpected victory.

The former Aberavon scrumhalf, on as a replacement, threw a pass under no pressure that was intercepted by Davies. The Swansea No. 10 couldn’t believe his luck and raced to the posts for a try he had no problem in converting.

BRIDGEND – Tries: D Cross, D Pritchard; Cons: J Murphy, P Short; Pens; J Murphy (2), P Short.

SWANSEA – Tries: H James, H Sutton, J Davies; Cons: J Davies (3); Pens: J Davies (2).