Match Reports 4th Sep '04

By Zippy
September 24 2004

Match Reports from the 4th September, Bridgend carry on pre season form to defeat Caerphilly. Cardiff defeat Pontypridd in the 100th game between the clubs. For reports read on

Cardiff 19 Pontypridd 12

Taken from www.Pontypriddrfc.com

It was not only Ponty's pride that was hurt following a narrow 19pts to 12 defeat away to Cardiff on the opening day of the new league campaign, but a few physical injuries picked up in the process.

It was highly ironic that Cardiff's late victory clinching try was scored by Pontypridd product Matthew Nuthall, drafted into the Blues regional squad, and playing for the Blue and Blacks at club level. Possibly of even greater concern than the actual result of a closely fought encounter at the Arms Park, was an early injury picked up by influential lock Dale McIntosh. The Chief departed the fray with soft tissue damage to a shoulder, compounding an old injury that had previously required surgery, and likely to keep him sidelined for the next four to five weeks.

Captain and centre Paul Matthews was also forced off with wear and tear to the eye injury that he had incurred the previous week in a friendly match against Bracknell. Prop Ryan Harford and flanker Wayne O'Connor were other casualties with blood and facial wounds following an uncompromising battle against the old enemy, Cardiff. Flanker Rhys Shellard, with cramp, rounded off the list of casualties, but with McIntosh being the only long term absentee as a result. Pontypridd will also be without the services of young winger Chris Clayton and centre Greg Evans, both involved with the Blues under 19 Academy in a series of inter-regional games throughout September, following which the Welsh national squad at that age group will be selected.

Despite the result, Ponty coach Simon King was in positive frame of mind following the defeat at Cardiff.

"We can take a lot from the performance of the new and younger players who made their senior debuts, such as James Connors and Gareth Jones" said King, "We have some work to do to consolidate the forward unit, but nothing that can't be put right on the training field. It was a tough challenge against Cardiff, and there are more such challenges to come, but I feel confident that we will improve, and do well in the season to come."

Bridgend 30 Caerphilly 20

By Simon Green

A great performance in our opening game against a Caerphilly team who have enjoyed a very good pre-season.

Caer took an early 6-0 lead thanks to 2 Stuart Thomas penalties ands almost claimed a try after a break by Justin Thomas. But the Ravens hit back with a penalty from Austen Howells and in the 15th minute a superb break from Mike Powell lead to Grant Epton crossing in the corner.

Powell came close to scoring himself moments later before Richard Mustoe broke away for Bridgends 2nd. Austen Howells converted and added a penalty before the break to make it 18-6 to Bridgend at half-time.

Dean Fitzgerald increased the Ravens lead with an excellent solo try (Howells converted) for a 25-6 lead but replacement 2nd row Gareth Williams was binned just moments after coming on and Caerphilly took advantage thanks to a try from centre Gareth Howells (Stuart Thomas converted).

Things then started to look bleak for The Ravens when replacement flanker Cory Harris was sent off for punching, but the crowd were more upset that Caerphilly flanker Scott Whitcombe got away with just a yellow despite being just as much to blame for the confrontation.

But despite only having 13 men on the pitch it was Bridgend who claimed another try through the brilliant James Donovan. The scum half spotted a gap and ran 60 metres rounding the Caerphilly fullback to score in the corner.

Replacement prop Peter Harrison got a try back for the visitors to make the score 30-20 but Bridgend held on for a deserved win. The marging of victory would have been higher but Dean Fitzgerald was denied his 2nd score after the linesman adjudged the pass from Ryan Howells forward.

This was a great win and with Cory Harris off the pitch the team showed great attitude. We finished the match with prop Dinlle Francis in the 2nd row and hooker Ieuan Dobbs in the back row but all did well to make sure of a victory.

The MOTM has to be between scrum half Donovan and flanker Dean Fitzgerald who both had cracking games and scored crucial long range tries. Captain Mike Powell also had a excellent game and showed some great turns of speed.

The backline continued to show the skills they have expressed during the pre-season games and if we can keep 15 men on the pitch we will certainly do some damage this season.

BRIDGEND SCORERS:

TRIES:
Grant Epton
Richard Mustoe
Dean Fitzgerald
James Donovan

CONS:
Austen Howells (2)

PENS:
Austen Howells

CAERPHILLY SCORERS:

TRIES:
Gareth Howells
Peter Harrison

CONS:
Stuart Thomas (2)

PENS:
Stuart Thomas (2)