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Tigers 42 Blue Bulls 40
Torfaen make history as first Welsh side beat Bridgend
The Torfaen Tigers created history by becoming the first Welsh team to beat the Bridgend Blue Bulls in three years in a closely thought and contentious match at Pontypool. Torfaen deserved the victory through sheer guts and determination but Bridgend were unhappy as the referee overruled a conversion kick that would have leveled the scores and a clash of colours between the players and referee caused confusion during defensive play.

Star man for Torfaen was Jason Hill who claimed a hat-trick of tries while Ed Tooley claimed two and there was one a piece for Matthew Entwhistle and Matthew Francombe.

The Bulls also crossed seven times, centre Paul Morgan claimed a hat-trick, Carle Ellis and Owen Strong both crossed twice and Kevin Ellis got one.

Torfaen took an early 12-0 lead thanks to scores from Jason Hill and Matthew Entwhistle before Carle Ellis hit back for the Bulls. Ed Tooley, who was on loan for the day from the Blue Bulls then got the Tigers fourth before Hill claimed his second to give Torfaen a 26-4 lead after 30 minutes.
 

But the Bulls hit back when centre Paul Morgan intercepted a loose pass and ran the length of the pitch before wing Owen Strong used a mix of skill and brute strength to score in the corner and lower the deficit to just 10 points at half time. 

The Bulls seemed to be taking control when both Carle Ellis and Owen Strong claimed their second scores to draw the game level and Kevin Ellis then put the Bulls in front with a superb solo try, and when Paul Morgan claimed his second Bridgend seemed favourites.

But The Tigers went on the rampage and further tries for Ed Tooley and Jason Hill and a crucial try for Matthew Francombe gave Torfaen a 42-34 lead and although a late Bulls charge saw Morgan claim his hat-trick the Tigers held on for a memorable victory.

The Tigers played some excellent Rugby to end Bridgend's record with Rob Taylor and Chris Williams leading from the front while Paul Morgan and Owen Strong stood out for the Bulls.

Article by Simon Green
23 Jul 2005

 



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