Bridgend beat Ebbw Vale 32-6

Jan 13 2008 by Staff Reporter, Wales On Sunday

VALE’S title hopes took a jolt as Ravens gained a third win from their last four league games this season.

And outside-half Mark David scored two of the four tries as Bridgend also earned a bonus point.

“A great performance, but we won’t get too carried away,” Ravens coach Chris Stephens said. “We certainly didn’t look like a side low in the table.”

For Bridgend, avenging a 28-13 defeat in September, this was only their fourth win in 14 league games.

Former Wales lock Stephens, ruled out of the 16-12 defeat at Newport the previous week with an elbow infection, said: “I was ready on the bench, but wasn’t needed. We have a bunch of promising young players who are coming on well.”

Vale coach Patrick Horgan said: “We were without some key men, but Bridgend thoroughly deserved to win.”

Vale locks Neil Edwards and Will Thomas cried off late and skipper and No 8 John Bowd retired with a torn groin in the closing minutes.

Vale had only six replacements – and called them all up in the second half.

Mark David, aged 23 – no relation to Bridgend full-back and captain Gareth David – tore holes in Vale’s defence.

So did wing Dan Connolly, in his first season with Ravens, and scrum-half Johnny Hooper.

Connolly’s try to put Bridgend 15-6 up at the interval, was spectacular in exposing weak covering.

Hooper was the main inspiration and his late try to clinch that extra point rewarded a superb 40-metre run.

Vale’s best chances came early in the second half but wrong options wrecked their hopes.Ebbw full-back Andrew McLaughlan was yellow-carded after 58 minutes, followed four minutes later by home flanker Jonathan Jones.

Bridgend: Tries - M David (2), D Connolly, G Hooper. Cons - G David (3). Pens - G David (2).

Ebbw Vale: Pens - A Bramwell (2).