Cardiff RFC’s quest for securing inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru silverware remains on track as they outscored Bridgend Ravens five tries to three to progress to the semi-finals.
Tries from Tom Harper, Matty Young, Dewi Cross, Nathan Hudd and Joe Williams guided the Blue and Blacks into a last four meeting with Newport RFC next Sunday at the Cardiff Arms Park. (KO: TBC).
With the sun hidden behind the clouds the temperature was much lower than prior to kick-off and in front of a healthy crowd of well over a thousand, Ben Burnell got the last eight encounter underway.
In what was an edgy start to proceedings it was the hosts who had the first opportunity to cross just after the six minute mark. This came from a catch and drive metres from the Ravens line, but the ball was knocked forward and the visitors kicked to relieve pressure.
With a home semi-final on the horizon for both sides, it was apparent from the opening quarter how much this game meant to the 30 players on the pitch. The Blue and Blacks did however break the deadlock after tight-head, Tom Harper crossed over for his first try for Cardiff RFC. Steffan Emanuel who was wearing the 10 jersey for only the second time this season had his shot go wide. (5-0).
Scott Baldwin’s men were then reduced to 14-men minutes later after referee, Ben Connor awarded Tom Florence a yellow card for taking Matty Young out off the ball. Then after a kick into the visitors 22 scrum half, Ethan Lloyd expertly offloaded for Matty Young to cross the whitewash. This time around Emanuel added the extras as after 25 minutes the Blue and Blacks had an early 12-0 lead.
The visitors found themselves growing back into the contest and with Jason Harries being awarded a yellow card, Bridgend took full advantage of the extra man. Replacement Jake Thomas scored the Ravens first of the afternoon which meant the deficit was 12-5 going in at the break.
HT: Cardiff 12-5 Bridgend Ravens
Despite still being a man down, the Blue and Blacks began the final 40 minutes the better. Outside centre, Elijah Evans broke through the visitors defence and offloaded to Dewi Cross to score in the corner for his 13th try of the season. This was accompanied by Emanuel adding the extras as the hosts went into a 14 point lead with just minutes of the second half being played.
Almost instantly, Bridgend reduce the deficit on 44 minutes as Jake Thomas bagged himself a brace after regathering a cross field kick from outside-half Ben Burnell. Burnell then for the first time in the encounter added the extras as the Blue and Blacks remained in a slender seven point lead.
Moving into the final quarter, the hosts found themselves closing in on their fourth of the afternoon. From a successful catch and drive, Nathan Hudd powered his way over to score his third try of the season. Emanuel yet again slotted the extras which brought the encounter back to a 14 point game.
Bridgend found themselves back in the Blue and Blacks half, and after continuous pressure, with just a few minutes left on the clock they crossed for their third. Replacement Luke Price made a brilliant flat pass which played into the hands of Ryan Wilkins who crossed to keep the raucous travelling support hopes alive.
However, that proved not to be enough as with the clock in the red, Joe Williams crossed over as Cardiff RFC secure themselves a semi-final encounter with rivals Newport RFC at the Arms Park next Sunday.
FT: Cardiff 31-19 Bridgend Ravens