Cross keeps scoring as Cardiff record a 47-14 win over Bridgend Ravens
A brace from Dewi Cross was accompanied by tries from Elijah Evans, Alun Rees, Aled Ward, Jason Harries and Benji Williams, completed the scores for the Blue and Blacks at the Arms Park.
The Blue and Blacks started the encounter stronger, as winger Dewi Cross broke the deadlock after eight minutes. This came after returning Mackenzie Martin offloaded to Player of the Match Matty Young, who drew the last defender and allowed Cross to score in the corner. Moments later, the hosts found themselves back inside the Ravens 22 and after several phases, outside-centre Elijah Evans stretched over to score his first of the season.
The visitors’ lack of discipline proved costly. After back-to-back penalties, the Blue and Blacks were metres away from the Ravens’ line. Then, after a successful take at the line-out, a powerful driving maul followed and Alun Rees crossed the whitewash for his third of the season. With outside half Harri Wilde keeping it 100% from the tee, the hosts went into an early 21-0 lead after 20 minutes.
That lead narrowed minutes later as Ryan Wilkins powered through the Blue and Blacks’ defence to score the visitors first points of the afternoon. That deficit was reduced further with inside centre Ryan Wilkins crossing over. Late replacement Callaghan Smith added the extras as Cardiff went in at the break seven points ahead.
HT: Cardiff 21-14 Bridgend Ravens
The momentum carried over into the second half, as the visitors turned over possession straight from the restart. However, a brilliant turnover by Lucas de la Rua helped relieve pressure on the Blue and Blacks’ defence. On 50 minutes, the open side was involved in an off-the-ball infringement with Bridgend’s scrum-half Harvey Nash and referee Keith David then awarded both a yellow card. Going into the final quarter, the first try of the half was scored, and this came from a brilliant run by Tom Bowen, who put the Blue and Blacks on the front foot. The ball was then spread quickly outside for Dewi Cross to crossover in the corner for his eighth of the season. Tom Bowen helped make the hosts fifth, putting his team in an excellent attacking position. Then, one phase followed, and after taking it from the breakdown replacement, Aled Ward powered over for his second of the season.
With the bonus secured and after scoring his first try since 2020 last weekend, Jason Harries pounced on the loose ball and crossed over directly below the uprights. Benji Williams showed his speed after intercepting from just inside the visitor’s half as he raced over for the Blue and Blacks’ seventh.
This win means Dan Fish’s men end block one of Super Rygbi Cymru with 34 points and are in pole position. On their return to league action, the Blue and Blacks will travel to Church Bank on November 23rd to face last year’s double Champions Llandovery RFC.
FT: Cardiff 47-14 Bridgend Ravens