Bridgend bounce back

The Bridgend Blue Bulls got back to winning ways on Wednesday night with an 11 try victory over the Titans.

The reigning champions had lost their previous two games, the first time ever they had lost consecutive matches in their 10 year history, but any chance of the Titans making it a hat-trick of losses evaporated early on when a devastating first half hour put Bridgend 32-0 up.

Both sides had chances early on with Titans Matt Rogers almost breaking free in the opening minute, before great play from Bulls duo Tylon Mafi and Gareth Howells sent Danyl Davies over for a seventh minute try.

A great kick and chase from Craig Chalmers then helped set up a great move which resulted in Gareth Howells scoring, and Howells also converted. Two more quick tries from Davies, the second after a charging run from Lee Harben-Jones, both converted by Howells then made it 22-0 before Lloyd Ryland and Craig Fox added further misery for the Titans with scores, with Howells adding another kick to make it 32-0.

Nathan Bird eventually got one back for the Titans, goaled by Matt Rogers but Danyl Davies had the final say with his fourth try and a fifth goal from Howells made it 38-6 at half time.

Newport claimed a second try early in the second half via Andrew Whittingham, but Bridgend hit back straight away with Tom Johnson scoring just seconds after coming off the bench.

Despite being well beaten the Titans never gave up and were rewarded with two more scores with Nick Bryant and Ryan Matson scoring, speedster Davies then grabbed his fifth of the game for the Bulls before the Titans claimed their final try from Matt Rogers.

But the Bulls were always on control and claimed two more late tries, teenage prop Owen Thomas scored a great solo try to cap off a fine debut, before Richard Howells raced over for try number 11 after a well-timed pass from David James.

The Blue Bulls were always in control of the game but the Titans can be proud of the way they fought back and the game could have been a lot closer had the visitors slotted their goals.