Cardiff RFC fell to a 27-19 defeat against Bridgend Ravens at the Dunraven Brewery Field. Tries from Craig Hudd, Lloyd Lucas and a penalty try proved not to be enough for the Blue and Blacks.
Cardiff began the better of the two with a number of entries into the Ravens 22 with ill discipline proving to be an issue early on for the hosts. Then on 7 minutes outside centre, Ryan Wilkins was sent off for ten minutes after a high tackle on Kodie Stone. Winger, Cameron Ellis broke up the right hand side and put the hosts’ metres out and then referee, Ben Connor awarded them a penalty.
Having opted for the scrum, the ball was spread quickly for Edd Howley to power his way over to break the deadlock at the end of the first quarter. After an overthrow at the lineout, the Blue and Blacks regathered possession and was spreading the ball nicely in the backline before Mccauley Rowley intercepted and raced over for the hosts’ second of the encounter.
From the restart, the Blue and Blacks won possession after referee, Connor awarded a penalty at the breakdown area. On his first start for Cardiff, Lloyd Lucas kicked brilliantly up into the Ravens 22 and after a successful take at the lineout a powerful driving maul followed. The hosts then were reduced to 14-men after they deliberately brought down the driving maul and the Blue and Blacks were awarded a penalty try. Second row, Barnaby Waddell was the culprit who was sent off for ten minutes.
The hosts’ lead was narrowed further, after Craig Hudd powered his way over for his first try of the season. Lloyd Lucas, added the extras as he put his side into the lead for the first time. However, the Blue and Blacks were penalised around the breakdown area and fullback, Edd Howley slotted the three to put his side back into the lead going in at the break.
HT: Bridgend Ravens 15-14 Cardiff
It took nearly quarter of an hour for the first try of the second half. This came after a brilliant kick in behind which Edd Howley regathered and crossed over. Moments later, Lloyd Lucas then crossed as he scored on his first start after some quick handling from the Blue and Blacks backline. However, Lucas was unable to put his side back into the lead as he had his shot deflect off the left upright.
With the rain then falling, Cardiff were looking for a way through to score to record their first win of the Super Rygbi Cup however, Ryan Wilkins in the closing moments crossed over as the Ravens recorded a 27-19 win at the Dunraven Brewery Field.
FT: Bridgend Ravens 27-19 Cardiff