Bridgend coaches earn praise

Jan 21 2008 Western Mail

Bridgend 9-7 Llanelli

THE work of coaches Chris Stephens and Paul Williams was hailed as Bridgend’s concerted resurgence continued, albeit in a mud bath of a clash at the Brewery Field.

In the first months of the season the Ravens were looking like relegation material, with just one win in their first 10 outings, but since Christmas they have won four out of five to put some clear water between themselves and basement clubs Maesteg and Llandovery.

“It’s credit to the boys and, in particular, the coaching team Chris and Paul, that they have stuck at it and turned things round,” said Bridgend team manager Huw Williams-Jones.

“We started with 22 new players at the beginning of the season, eight or nine of those involved with the Ospreys Under-20 side, so we have got a lot of young players. Perhaps those new boys are starting to believe in themselves and it’s pleasing for all the work that has been put in.”

Bridgend certainly had to work hard to claim victory. They trailed 7-3 at half-time after Llanelli claimed the only try of the contest, scored by hooker Dan George after a forward rumble from a line-out.

That was after Jonathan Hooper was sin-binned for pulling Dan Evans back in the tackle. Evans did not enjoy a memorable afternoon. He did convert the try, but missed all four of his penalty attempts.

But Ravens skipper Gareth David was more accurate, kicking the two second-half penalties responsible for the win.

“We couldn’t fault the boys’ efforts and, in the difficult conditions, it was a resilient second-half effort,” added Williams-Jones.