photo by Ian Lovell

The Blackwood Bulldogs completed their 100% season bt beating the Newport Titans 36-30 on Saturday. This gives them a weeks rest going in to the play offs before playing either Torfaen Tigers or Cardiff Demons in Round 2.

The Bridgend Blue Bulls secured third place in this years Welsh Rugby League Conference and a home Quarter Final tie against Newport Titans next weekend thanks to a 42-26 victory over the Torfaen Tigers with Lloyd O’Connor claiming his second hat-trick of the season. But the victory was soured with 20 year old hooker Shaun Owens having to be stretched from the field with a serious leg injury,

The Tigers got off to a great start with wing Jarrad Hinem intercepting a poor pass and racing 60 metres to score with Daryl Carter converting to give the visitors an early 6-0 lead. But Bridgend were soon on level terms when a great chip from David James resulted in a try for fellow centre Michael John with Jamie Murphy converting.

Torfaen then re-took the lead half way though the first half after a break from Dale Nash sent Liam Davies racing to the line but two quick tries from Lloyd O’Connor, both converted my Murphy put

the Bulls eight points clear and just before the break Simon Mustoe crashed over under the posts with Shaun Owens converting to give Bridgend a 24-10 half time lead.

The Bulls found themselves down to 12 men early on in the second half after wing Karl Davies was sin-binned, but an almost certain try was saved thanks to a brilliant tackle from Michael John.

Bridgend then suffered another blow when Shaun Owens was stretched off, and his loss will be a massive blow to the Blue Bulls as they enter the play-offs.

Torfaen then took full advantage of Bridgends disarray and scored a fine try though fullback David Davies with Ashley Goode adding the extras to cut the deficet to eight. But good work from Craig Hopkins and Lee Sims helped Luke Hole cross for his first Bulls try and Murphy converted again to make it 30-16.

The Tigers then staged a great comeback and scored two quick tries through Shane Williams and Gareth Davies with Carter converting one to cut Bridgends lead to just four points.

But the brilliant O’Connor hit back straight away and raced over for his hat-trick and 13th try of the season, Murphy again converted and then in the dying seconds the stand-off cut through the Tigers defence for the games final try, which he also converted to claim his 26th point in just two games.

Bridgends win means they will now face a home Quarter Final against the Newport Titans.

Article by Simon Green
20 July 2008