Bridgend’s Injury Worries Mount

Bridgend are facing an injury crisis ahead of their Principality Cup quarter-final against Swansea this Saturday.
The Ravens have been handed a gilt-edged opportunity to end their ten-year wait for a place in the semi-finals with a home tie against the St Helen’s club wrapped up in a financial crisis.
But despite the lengthy break during the RBS Six Nations without a competitive game, Bridgend have been hit by a string of injuries ahead of the Brewery Field clash.
The midfield is of most concern for coach Allan Lewis, with both Dafydd James and young David Bishop both doubtful to play and John Funnell struggling to be passed fit.
British Lion James is recovering from the shoulder injury that prevented him travelling with Wales to last weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens.
Meanwhile his understudy Bishop, who has emerged as a genuine prospect after replacing James in the Bridgend side, is suffering from a bout of mumps having recovered from a hamstring problem that flared up while playing for Wales Under-21s.
Coincidentally, both of Bridgend’s ex-Swansea players – Sililo Martens and Andy Moore – have both been ruled out with broken thumbs.
Moore, one of three Bridgend players who returned yesterday from answering assault allegations in France, was injured in a recent friendly against Maesteg while Martens suffered a same injury helping his native Tonga qualify for this year’s World Cup with a play-off victory over South Korea.
Countryman Josh Taumalolo is also said to be struggling with a knee problem while outside-half Simon Mannix is out with an Achilles injury.
“Even though we have only had one competitive game in seven weeks we have picked up a few injuries in some of the friendly games we have played which a bit frustrating,” said Bridgend chief executive Adrian Hadley.
“We will have to wait and see who pulls through training before naming our side to face Swansea.
“It’s a massive game for us so hopefully a few of the boys will pull through.”