Jamin Hodgkins and his Bridgend Ravens teammates lost out to in-form Cardiff in an entertaining Indigo Premiership tie at Cardiff Arms Park 38 – 23.
Hodgkins opened the scoring with a well struck early penalty for Bridgend. Cardiff struck for the opening try shortly after. The Cardiff maul caused early problems for the visitors as Alun Rees touched down. The impressive Arwel Robson landed the extras.
Bridgend lost Evan Yardley to the bin following an off-the-ball tackle shortly after and Cardiff made the advantage count, adding another try with Joe Goodchild scoring out wide. Robson was again on target with the conversion.
Hodgkins landed a second penalty clawing away at the deficit. Bridgend then saw their best attack of the first half but failed to get the points their efforts deserved. Jason Harries was shown yellow as Bridgend worked hard close to the host's line. The home side just had too much in defense as Bridgend saw a powerful driving maul held up with their best opportunity of the first half.
As he did in the first half, Jamin Hodgkins landed an early penalty, but Cardiff struck for three unanswered scores to down Bridgend and secure a bonus point. Tries from Nathan Hudd, Joe Goodchild, and Harrison James ultimately took the game away from Bridgend.
To their credit, the visitors never gave up and Bridgend struck back for two late consolation scores. Replacement scrum-half Chris Williams scored the first after good work from Caine Woolerton. Gareth Harvey made ground backed up by Harry Olding before Williams broke for the score. Paul Short converted.
Following the score, there was a short break in play for Cardiff’s Joey Tomlinson to receive treatment. Both medical teams provided the Cardiff back row with incredible on-field care. All at Bridgend Ravens are pleased to hear that Joey is well and now at home recovering.
Tommy Morgan bagged a late converted try as Bridgend worked hard to get something out of the game, but their efforts would fall short seeing the Ravens leave the capital empty-handed.
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