After three consecutive defeats, an away clash with Pontypridd would hardly have been the Ravens’ idea of an ideal fixture but they pushed the home side to the limit but just missed out on a losing bonus point.
An early exchange of penalties between opposing outside halves, Ross Jones for Bridgend and Dai Flanagan for Ponty got the scoreboard in motion. And it was a quick tempo start to the game with both teams willing to put width and pace into their attacks. It was the home side who struck first though with centre Dafydd Lockyer crossing for a try which Flanagan converted.
Jones responded with another penalty for the Ravens before winger Owen Williams burst through for a try which Flanagan converted. A penalty kicked by Jones was Bridgend’s response before the home team struck again with Williams rounding off another free-flowing backs move. Flanagan added another conversion from out wide.
A fluent foray straight from the restart gave Ponty another scoring opportunity, winger Lewis Williams cruising in to touch down with his try once more converted by Flanagan. Jones kicked another penalty for the Ravens as they trailed 31-17 at the break.
With nothing to lose, the Ravens came out revitalised, applying concerted pressure on the home line which was rewarded when hooker Matthew Dwyer went over from close range. Jones maintained the pressure with another penalty before the ball was moved wide for wing Glen Lewis to cross for another Bridgend try. Jones converted and suddenly the game was back in the balance.
The third quarter of the game belonged exclusively to the visitors as they pinned Ponty back in their own half. Full back Jamie Murphy charged down a clearance kick to claim an opportunist try which gave his team a surprise 31-32 lead with just over 20 minutes left. That lead was extended Jones added his sixth penalty as Ponty seemed incapable of making any headway out of their half.
Stung into action, Ponty laid siege to the visitors’ line which eventually resulted in replacement scrum half Gareth James going over for a close range try. Finishing the game on a high, Ponty launched a sniping foray down the flank and Owen Williams claimed his hat trick.
Flanagan kicked both conversions as his side sealed the victory after a frenetic and entertaining encounter.
