Strength In Depth Key To Ravens Win

Beddau were not at strength yet with a few senior players still enjoying the summer but there was a firm complement of first choice players on show. While the changes to the respective teams at half time exposed the relative lack of depth in the Beddau squad there were more ticks in the gains column for coaches Ben Daniels and Ross Johnston.

Hywel Chatham had given Beddau an early penalty to counter a try by Bridgend`s speedy Gavin Lougher and it was Chatham pulling the strings to give Lewis Egal an opening. The centre`s strong run opened the way for new boy Adam Ashford to show great pace in finishing a very good score.

The half was almost over when Bridgend, who had spent a considerable period on the back foot, finally secured some good ball and worked two overlap tries in quick succession for Gavin Lougher.

The changes at half time saw a more muscular Bridgend and some of the play was a little too sharp for Beddau`s youngsters. Tries for Nicky Boyce and Ryan Davies both had the whiff of a forward pass but there was no denying the class and pace the Ravens were now bringing to the game.

Beddau were struggling to make any kind of an inroad but were sticking to their guns defensively and it was a while before the Ravens found another score. Number 8 Matthew John touched down behind a driving scrum and Joe Scrivens, who had goaled the Ryan Davies try, added the points.

A wave of attacks where forwards continually presented the ball eventually overwhelmed Beddau`s brave defence and Ashton Evans reached the line with Geraint Llewellyn now making the conversion.

The final score was an interception by Jamie Murphy and it was fitting that the centre, who had been the fulcrum for most of the Ravens good work, should be the beneficiary. Geraint Llewellyn again landed the extras.

For Beddau there is much to build on and the foundations look good. Locks Kristian Parker and Lloyd Evans worked consistently throughout and young Leon Rogers continues to develop in the back row. There were bright glimpses from new players Macauley Griffiths and Bradley Llewellyn while Hywel Chatham, Lewis Egal, Jordan Odgers and Cody Baker looked in good shape.