|
Having conceded 106 points against Newport Titans just two weeks earlier, a team that the Blue Bulls hammered 48-2 recently, many expected a record score in this match between Welsh Premier's top and bottom clubs.
But the Miners put up a great display and although the result was never in doubt, the Ystelyfera based side put up a much improved and spirited performance.
The Bulls were missing a number of key players including Kevin Ellis, John Devereux, Dai Owen, Craig Fox and Karl Hockin and gave debuts to Stuart Coles, Craig Voisey and Ed Tooley, but they were in front within five minutes after centre Carle Ellis dived over under the posts after a charging run from Geraint Lewis.
The game then turned scrappy with both sides unable to complete their set of tackles, but an excellent break from wing Grant Epton resulted in hooker Lloyd Paget crossing over in the corner to give Bridgend a 10-0 lead.
Minutes later Paget was over for his second after a bulldozing run from Stuart Coles and before the half hour Carle Ellis gave a great pass to Epton and the wing raced 40 yards to score.
The Valley Miners then hit back after a break from Andrew Jenkins put Chris Beck over for a deserved try but weak tackling cost them dear as Bulls outside half Jon Williams claimed his fourth try of the season to give the Bulls a 26-6 half time lead.
Within three minutes of the re-start Epton claimed his second try of the match and Jon Williams converted from the touchline, but despite dominating possession the Bulls failed to pile on the expected points and Swansea defended brilliantly to keep the score line respectable. The Bulls did get another try before the end when Neil Dixon broke through and put Epton over for his second hat-trick of the season.
But the final word went to the home team when replacement Steve John dived over under the posts, Simon Brown converted to make the final score 38-12 to the Bulls.
Without many of their stars Bridgend were at times disjointed and disorganised and were made to work hard by a well drilled Miners team, but there were very
|
|
good performances from Lloyd Paget, Geraint Lewis, Jon Williams and captain Nathan Strong while debutants Coles, Tooley and Voisey improved as the game went on.
The forwards and especially Jon Purnell and Marcus Sainsbury put in many big hits while teenager Gareth Hopkins gave a impressive display beyond his ears.
But lots of credit must go to the Miners, after conceding over 100 points just two weeks ago lots of work has been done by coach Dai Hawkins and his young team performed amicably with scrum half Andrew Jenkins at the heart of most of their moves.
Miners chairman, Neville Price commented: "The game was a total transformation in the quality of the Swansea Valley Miners play. With players that are 17,18 and 19 [years old] with a smattering of experienced players gave Bridgend a hard game of Rugby League.
"Bridgend were made to earn every point in their win. My players were committed and brave, tackling every Bridgend player without exception.
"The Parkhouse player of the match was hooker Andre Jenkins, who bossed the tackle area for the entire game. Along side him were youngsters Ryan Evans, Dane Clancey, Ashleigh James amongst others.
"We have a Bye next week, but the squad is looking forward to our next game, which will be Cardiff Demons at Taffs Well."
The Bulls next game is against Torfaen Tigers on Saturday 4th June, and due to the re-seeding of the Brewery Field the match has been switched to Porthcawl RFC.
SWANSEA VALLEY MINERS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Chris Beck
Steve John
GOALS:
Simon Bevan
BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Carle Ellis
Lloyd Paget (2)
Grant Epton (3)
Jon Williams
GOALS:
Jon Williams (5)
Article by Simon Green
28 May 2005
|
News
