|
The Valley Cougars could not repeat the heroics of the previous weekend and despite scoring three good tries through Alun Williams (2) and Steven Bray fell to a crushing 66-16 defeat at the hands of the Bridgend Blue Bulls. The reigning British Champions scored 13 tries in awful conditions with wing Grant Epton claiming his second hat-trick of the season and Carle Ellis, Craig Fox and Gareth David all touching down twice. Marc Davies added 14 points with the boot.
Matthew Wareham opened the scoring for the Bulls after receiving a great pass from Nathan Strong, which Marc Davies converted but Alun Williams hit back for the Cougars after fooling the defenders with a quickly tapped penalty and scoring under the posts. Wing Grant Epton then got his 1st try of the day but Williams struck again after some poor tackling to make it all square at 10-10.
But the Bridgend Blue Bulls went up a gear and scored four more tries before the break with Carle Ellis bursting through midfield for a great solo try and he was soon followed over the line by brother Kevin, Craig Fox and Grant Epton. That gave the Blue Bulls a 30-10 lead at half time.
Mark Rowleys Cougars showed great spirit at the start of the second half and lowered the deficient with a try from Steven Bray but two quick scores from the brilliant Nathan Strong and wing Gareth David took the Blue Bulls past 40.
A great weaving run from Craig Fox saw the Tondu union player get his second score of the match before Grant Epton claimed his hat-trick on the half hour mark after a dazzling run and excellent kick ahead from hooker Dan Williams.
Dan Williams then got the Bulls 11th score after a marvelous and unselfish pass from Nathan Strong and the match was finished off with two late tries from Gareth David and Carle Ellis.
|
This was a high-quality display from Kevin Ellis’ team and the ball handling was outstanding in the strong wind and driving rain. The Cougars could not match the Bulls strength and speed and were punished by the swiftness of fullback Marc Davies and wings Gareth David and Grant Epton.
In the forwards Nathan Strong and Jon Purnell again shone but the Man of the Match award has to go to Dan Williams who gave an inspired performance and put in a brilliant kick for Eptons third try.
For the Cougars Alun Williams always looked dangerous while ex-Wales Union International and Pontypridd favourite Dale McIntosh lead from the front.
The Cougars travel to Pil Harriers on Saturday to take on the Newport Titans while the Blue Bulls have a bye this weekend before facing three tough games in eight days while
BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Matthew Wareham
Grant Epton (3)
Carle Ellis (2)
Craig Fox (2)
Kevin Ellis
Nathan Strong
Gareth David (2)
Dan Williams
GOALS:
Marc Davies (7)
VALLEY COUGARS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Alun Williams (2)
Steven Bray
GOALS:
Adrian Owen
Alun Wiliams
Article by Simon Green
8 Jul 2004
| 
News
