Bridgend win the league - Bridgend 22 - 13 Neath

BRIDGEND - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2003

Bridgend have finally be crowned champions in what seems to be a never ending season. Having played 14 and won 13, the Ravens were able to celebrate in style with a home win over Neath which secured the championship.

Bridgend 22 - 13 Neath

Neath were the first to score, thanks to the boot of Shaun Connor converting a penalty attempt. However, Bridgend were determined not to see the title slip away from them and they responded with Sililo Martens capitalising on a charge down to score the games first try. Unfortunately Cull missed the conversion and a penalty shortly after which left the score at 5 - 3.

Neath then retook the lead again thanks to the boot of Connor and for a while the scoreboard stayed quiet with Bridgend stopping Neath from getting the ball to their backs. Sililo Martens then paid the price for preventing the ball from reaching the Neath backs and Bridgend had to face 10 minutes with only 14 men.

However, Neath could not create anything and improve on their 6 - 5 lead so at half time the match was evenly poised.

The teams re-entered the field after the interval and the game immediately came to life. First up to score was John Thiel for Bridgend with Cull converting but Neath responded immediately with a try under the posts for Shane Williams after a good break from Connor.

However, Bridgend were determined to win the title in front of their home fans and minutes after Neath had gone back into the lead, Gareth Cull was on hand to receive a pass to put him over out wide. He converted his own try and put Bridgend 19 - 13 in front with about 30 minutes remaining.

The match then turned nasty with Jamie Ringer being sent to the bin for illegal use of the boot and soon after Hywel Jenkins and John Thiel were sent to the bin after a fight at the lineout.

Things then calmed down and as hard as Neath tried they were unable to break through the Bridgend defence. Numerous attacking opportunities were lost and minutes before the final whistle Gareth Cull made sure that Neath were not going to win this game by adding a drop goal to his try and two conversions to leave the score at 22 - 13.

As the final whistle was blown there were jubilant celebrations at the Brewery Field as Bridgend were crowned champions in what is the last Welsh League with professional teams competing.

Glamore Griffiths made an appearance to present the vase to the team who had deservedly won the Welsh Premier Division 2003.

Well Done Bridgend!

WWW.VALLEYSRAVENS.TK