Bridgend Blue Bulls ensured hopes of a Welsh double in the RLC this year remained alive with a comfortable 44-24 win over a beaten but never outclassed Ipswich side from whom scrum half Tane Trafford lost nothing in comparison with Bridgend's Kevin Ellis.
The Blue Bulls went in to the break 28-10 ahead thanks to two tries from hooker Colin Williams, the second of which opened up an 18-point gap that proved too much for a brave Rhinos side to bridge.

Williams opened the scoring but Pete Le Marquand's superb kick behind the defence allowed Dave West an easy score. Kevin Ellis collected his first try from a scrum move and then Jon Williams crossed in the corner to give the Bulls a 16-4 lead. A delightfully disguised short ball from Peter Le Marquand to Trafford brought the Rhinos back into things but tries before the break from Lenny Woodard and Colin Williams gave the Blue Bulls a comfortable-looking 18-point cushion.

Trafford scored again soon after the restart to set nerves jangling in the Welsh dugout but further tries from Jon Williams and Ellis restored calm and despite Peter Le Marquand collecting two late touchdowns, which sandwiched an effort from Geraint Lewis, the Blue Bulls were well worth their win.

Game star: Ipswich scrum half Tane Trafford scored twice and caused chaos in the Blue Bulls' defence every time he ran at them with the ball.

Game breaker: Colin Williams' second try just before half time put just too much daylight between the sides.

Men of the Match:
Bridgend: Kevin Ellis.
Ipswich: Tane Trafford.
Half Time - 28-10
Referee: Richard Morris (North Lancashire)