At Trimsaran a much changed Blue Bulls side beat the West Wales Sharks 32-24 in an exciting and hard fought match. The Bridgend team contained just three of the players who appeared in last years Welsh Final and fielded a host of new youngsters who did the team proud.

Bridgend captain Jon Purnell got his team off to a great start with a try after five minutes which Gareth David converted from the touchline but Sharks fullback Dai Norman hit straight back with a great score which was converted by John Griff to make it 6-6.

The scores remained level until the 25th minute when the game really came to life with Bridgend scoring three tries in seven minutes. Good work from forwards Lewis Tutt and Idris Hanmer sent Lloyd O’Connor over the first before some excellent passing from Steve Hearne and David James sent Rob Smithson over for a debut try, then O’Connor grabbed a

second with Gareth David converting two to give the Bulls a 22-6 lead.

Sharks Chris Keeny got one back for the home team but the final score of the half went to Michael John who shrugged off four tacklers and ran 40 metres with just one shoe for the Bulls fifth score and they took a 26-10 lead into half time.

Both sides came close to scoring in the second half before a great kick and chase from Gareth David saw the stand-off claim Bridgends sixth and give the reigning Champions a 22 point lead.

Many at the game thought the floodgates may open but the Sharks fought back brilliantly scoring three unanswered tries. John Griff claimed the first before Dai Norman claimed hi second with a long dazzling run and the final score went to Sharks forward Dylan Jones to make the final score 24-32

article by Simon Green
24 May 2008