Bridgend College got their Wednesday Under 18 League
campaign off to a winning start with a 21-11 victory over Newport High School at
a sun-drenched Brewery Field.
On an afternoon that showcased the best of youth rugby, naïve
audacity saw both sides run the ball from all areas of the pitch which made for
a compelling and free-flowing game.
It was the hosts that took a narrow 15-11 lead into the
break, despite Dai Flanagan’s men being the ones to start the better from the
outset.
The visitors looked sharp in attack early on, creating
numerous chances in the opening ten minutes, with second row Blain Meek
knocking on what should’ve been a relatively easy touchdown.
However, Newport’s first points soon arrived from the boot
of Josh Malson who fired over a penalty, and moments later the Gwent side
capitalised on a turnover to counter-attack well that saw centre Barney
Nightingale cross.
Conceding the try seemed to wake Gareth Nicholas’ team up
and they hit back through flanker Reuben Tooze who powered over, with fly-half Rhodri
Davies adding the simple extras.
The kickers exchanged penalties, before Bridgend seized the
lead with a scintillating score from Edd Howley just before the break.
The second half began in a frenzied affair with both teams
once again attacking at every opportunity.
However, then came an extended
period of pressure from Newport, who were camped inside their opponents’ 22,
though critically failed to make the pressure and territory count as the hosts’
defence repelled all the Gwent side threw at them.
After neutralising the Newport assault, Bridgend were able
to clear their lines, and some savvy work from their pack saw Davies extend
their lead with two well-taken penalties.
New boys Newport continued to prod and probe, but once
again, the end result was missing.
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