PONTYPOOL 38-50 BRIDGEND RAVENS
Bridgend outside half Ben Burnell believes the Ravens are in for a successful season – if they can find some consistency.
The Ravens pulled off the most eye-catching result of round two in Super Rygbi Cymru over the weekend when, inspired by wing McCauley Rowley’s hat-trick, they recorded a stunning eight-try win at Pontypool.
It’s the second time in a row they have put 50 points on Pooler, having also done so in dramatic fashion at the Brewery Field back in March.
But the challenge now for the Ravens will be to back it up with another win which, despite much promise in performances in flashes, is something they were ultimately unable to achieve last season.
However, the win at Pooler did see Scott Baldwin’s side bounce back emphatically from the disappointment of their opening round defeat at Aberavon where, after racing into a 17-0 lead after 17 minutes, they went on to lose 36-17.
Next up is a clash with the champions Llandovery on Saturday – with the Drovers having lost their opening two games.
And Burnell, who started for the Ravens at 10 against Pontypool, says the squad have approached the new season determined not to repeat the same patterns that hampered them during the last.
“I think probably the most frustrating thing has been that, when it does click, I genuinely think we are one of the best teams in the league,” he said.
“But unfortunately, last year, it didn’t click as much as we’d like. We got stuck in ruts last year with losses, so it’s just making sure we don’t get stuck in the habit of losing.
“For us it’s just building week by week and, again, consistency is a massive one for us. If we go out and play the way we know Bridgend can play, and perform week in, week out, then I think we’ll be in for a really successful season.”
The Ravens certainly clicked at the weekend and the win at Pooler in their own backyard was even more notable, given it came just a week after Pooler had defeated reigning champions Llandovery in dramatic fashion in the opening round of the new season – and are tipped to challenge at the top end of the table this season, having finished bottom last term.
Bridgend were 36-14 to the good at the break courtesy of tries from wing Ben Evans, skipper Tom Jevons, Rowley – twice – along with centres Ryan Wilkins and Ryan Conbeer. Fraser Jones added three conversions.
Lock Liam Antrobus and skipper Scott Matthews were Pooler’s first half scorers, both converted by Evan Lloyd. Pooler then struck first six minutes after the re-start through scrum half Ellis Lewis’ converted try.
Then a second try for Ravens wing Evans – his third in two games – put the visitors 43-21 to the good with a quarter of the game remaining, with Jones adding the extras.
A late Pooler fightback attempt was inevitable – and it came – with three tries in seven minutes from replacement Dan Hill, outside half Lloyd and wing Rhys Cole – converted by Lloyd – pulled Puller back to within just five points of Bridgend.
But the final say would go to the Ravens – and Rowley – as he completed his treble and a memorable win. Jones’ conversion brought up the half century of points.
Scorers: Pontypool: Tries: L Antrobus, S Matthews, E Lewis, D Hill, E Lloyd, R Cole; Cons: E Lloyd 4. Bridgend: M Rowley 3, B Evans 2, T Jevons, R Wilkins, R Conbeer; Cons: F Jones 5