Report by Joe Mansfield
Table toppers Cardiff proved too much for bottom side Bridgend Ravens as they ran in five tries on their way to a 41-12 win.
The home side started the game the stronger and in the tenth minute the early pressure was rewarded with a try.
Skipper Tom Habberfield showed his sides early intention when he made the bold decision to opt for a scrum instead of taking the kickable penalty.
The confidence shown was justified when winger Teri Gee dotted down in the corner. Despite the howling Cardiff wind, Gareth Thompson added the extras from out wide with a well struck conversion kick.
Cardiff were able to restrict the visiting side to their own 22 for large periods of the first half as the Ravens struggled to execute an exit strategy.
Bridgend paid the price for this in 23rd minute as Cardiff used their good attacking position to implement a fine set piece move to cross over once more.
This time James Beal was the try-scorer as he benefited from the fine work of Habberfield.
Just five minutes later Cardiff were at it again as another set piece resulted in another try. Man of the match Edd Howley made the initial break surging downfield and found his skipper running a good support line to add the teams third and move 21-0 ahead.
Bridgend would have been hoping for better in the second half, but the league leaders had other ideas.
They wasted no time to get back on the scoresheet as Ethan Lewis peeled off an attacking maul to muscle his way over the line within a minute of the second half. Thompson added the extras once more.
The misery of the travelling side was compounded minutes later as Thompson slotted a penalty to extend the lead to 31-0.
Bridgend refused to roll over however and went on to have their best period of the game.
When Cardiff were reduced to fourteen, with a yellow card for Bradley, Bridgend pounced by taking the penalty quickly to allow prop Gheorge Gaijon to crash over from close range.
The visitors scored again in the 70th when a defensive blunder gifted ravens substitute Connor Tantum a try. Cardiff failed to gather a kick near their own line and Tantum was on hand to take advantage.
The last laugh belonged to the home outfit however, they underlined their impressive display with one final try.
Joe Scrivens was the creator as the replacement outside-half carried to the line before putting Gwilym Bradley through a hole to march over in the 75th minute. Scrivens converted to end the game 41-12.
Post-Match Interviews.
James Beal
Tom Habberfield
Edd Howley
