Wins for both Bridgend and Ponty

WINS FOR BRIDGEND AND PONTY

Bridgend 35 - 12 Cardiff

Bridgend have almost secured the Welsh League title as they notched up another victory, this time over Cardiff and Neath lost out to Llanelli as the title race hots up. Bridgend only have to win one of their three remaining games to secure the title and it could be done in front of their own fans at the Brewery Field on Tuesday evening when they take on Neath.

In the game against Cardiff, Bridgend were the team applying all the early pressure but surprisingly it was Cardiff who scored first after a dubious refereeing decision when a ball was passed forward. Peter Muller was on hand to score the opening try for the visitors. However Bridgend were rewarded with a couple of tries before half time for prop Chris Horsman and number eight Shaun Van Rensberg. Cull added the conversions and a penalty to give Bridgend a 17 - 7 half time lead.

Barely 20 seconds into the second half Cardiff's Chris Stamatakis who had only just came on was shown the red card for a dangerous tackle on Gareth Cull. That gave Bridgend the extra man and there were further tries for Van Rensberg and winger Anthony Carter which secured the win even though Cardiff breifly fought back with a try from Nick Walne - Final Score 35 - 12 to Bridgend.

Caerphilly 15 - 17 Pontypridd

Pontypridd almost suffered a defeat which could have put them at the bottom of the Welsh Premiership but luckily Matthew Rees was on hand to score a late try to secure a much needed win for Ponty.

Despite having severe injury problems which were worsened when several of the players who played on Tuesday night also played on Wednesday against Penygraig, Ponty managed to put together a team to face the Cheesemen.

In the first half the only score was a try from Caerphilly lock Darren Davies but in the second half Ponty scored a try from Paul John, converted by Jenkins and a long range penalty from Jenkins. However, Caerphilly were able to hit back with a try from Ryan Howells and a conversion and penalty from Justin Thomas to put the Cheesemen 15 - 10 in front with 10 minutes left.

Then a penalty attempt was presented to Justin Thomas which would have put Caerphilly 8 points in front but his effort failed to go between the posts leaving Caerphilly only 5 points ahead.

Into injury time and a drive by the Ponty forwards was controlled well and the opportunity was presented to Matthew Rees to score a try. Jenkins then added the vital conversion and gave Ponty a narrow 17 - 15 win.

Caerphilly, who face Castres next week avoided finishing bottom of the Welsh Premiership thanks to Newport who defeated Ebbw Vale at Rodney Parade. Good luck next weekend Caer!

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