photo by Mark Harris

Cardiff Demons had never beaten Bridgend Blue Bulls, and with a Bulls side containing current Celtic Crusaders’ star Dean Fitzgerald along with four former Crusaders’ players, they didn’t stand much of a chance of winning this one, but they gave it a good shot and came out of it with their heads held high.

Following an even first ten minutes, Gareth David gave Bridgend a 4-0 lead after finishing off a fine passing move by grounding in the corner.

It was 10-0 straight from kick-off. Fitzgerald, who was a touchline reporter for S4C later in the day at the Crusaders v Workington match, broke through the

defence and sprinted 40 metres to the line. David easily kicked the conversion.

A Geraint Lewis try in the corner made it 14-0 on 18 minutes but Demons struck back seven minutes later when Chris Holcombe was fastest to pounce on a loose ball in the goal area.

Former Crusader Neil Dixon ran through on the half hour with David converting to make it 20-4.

Demons got another try back just before half-time Chris Holcombe stretched out to ground for his second while five minutes after the interval an Andrew Bradshaw try and Gareth Jones conversion made the score 20-14.

Paul Morgan ran 50 metres with David converting to make it 26-14 but a Jon Trickey try converted by Gareth Jones put Demons back in contention.

However a try from Porthcawl lad, Matthew Owen, goaled by David sealed the win for Bridgend

article by Ian Golden
23 June 2007