photo by Simon Green

Bridgend Blue Bulls secured top spot in the final Welsh Conference Premier table in dramatic circumstances against Newport Titans on Saturday afternoon.

Bridgend took the lead after ten minutes when Tevita Manaseitava finished off a fine passing move. Gareth David converted before scoring and converting the Bull’s second try to put the score on 12-0.

And a Dan Williams try under the sticks goaled by David made it 18-0 at half-time.

The second half saw a dramatic Newport come-back before the tables turned in the final five minutes.

Two minutes into the second half, Ross Palmer ran 70 metres to score for Newport, John Bowd followed him over a few minutes later while Tyrone Mahoney scored straight from kick-off with all three converted by Lloyd White to level the scores at 18-18 with just ten second half minutes gone.

Twelve minutes from the end, Newport took the lead through an unconverted Lewis Culverwell try and Vinnie Lott got another straight from kick-off to give them an eight point cushion.

But with three minutes to go, Jonathan Rimmer broke through to set up Lenny Woodard in the corner for Bridgend and with the final play of the match, Simon Mustoe went over and David converted to give the Bulls a 28-26 win.

article by Simon Green
7 July 2007