Match Report

By Sian Golden at Taff’s Well RFC

Bridgend Blue Bulls won the South Wales Grand Final in the first year back as a club as they defeated Aber Valley Wolves 33-30 in a classic at Taff's Well RFC.

Aber Valley's Lewis Bowden blew an early chance as he went into touch early in the first half but made up for it minutes later when he opened the scoring following a penalty. Alun Ford converted.

Owen Thomas swiftly replied for the Bridgend Blue Bulls with an effort under the sticks. Gareth Howells successfully converted.

The Blue Bulls followed suit moments later with their second try of the game, this time by Dale Wood's effort near the sticks. Howells converted again.

Kick from Alun Ford enabled Josh Edge to pounce onto the ball to ground which Ford converted. That made it 12-all.

Bridgend again took the lead when Gareth Howells converted his own try to take the score to 18-12 and seconds later kicked a drop goal to take the gap to two converted tries.

It could have been more but Bridgend's Mitch John's brilliant run was thwarted by outstanding Wolves defence but It didn't take them long to get another with Paul Songhurst grounding at the half time hooter. Howells missed the conversion to make the score 23-12 at the break.

Blue Bulls picked up where they left off with Howells scoring his second try. He failed to convert.

Following a yellow card for Bridgend's Andy Milner, Aber capitalised by Ieuan Alexander grounding the ball. Ford converted.

Lloyd Allen soon joined his team-mate in the sinbin taking Bridgend temporarily down to 11 men and the player advantage had its desired effect as Aaron Evans crossed the line. Ford converted to take the score within three points.

But Bridgend’s Jamie John scored a matter of minutes later as Bridgend increased their points tally. Howells converted.

Lloyd Paget scored in the next set to keep up the pressure. Ford converted but despite attack by both teams the Bulls held on for their seventh title in the competition’s 12 year history.