Bulls & Torfaen in 12 try thriller
The Bridgend Blue Bulls were many people’s underdogs going into this match after some impressive displays from Torfaen Tigers so far this season. But the reigning Champions claimed a brilliant 42-28 victory in a fast and excellent match.

The Bulls got off to an early lead with Jon Williams kicking a penalty goal after just three minutes. The Tigers were looking sharp and had chances to score early on but it was Bridgend who were celebrating by scoring two quick tries from Kevin Ellis and Paul Williams for a 12-0 lead.

Phillip Marsh got a try back for Torfaen and they were soon just two points down after Steven Mayley intercepted a loose pass and raced 40 yards for Torfaens second.

But a great last two minutes from the Bulls saw Gareth James go on a great charging run to set up a score for Geraint Lewis before scoring himself after another excellent sprint up field. Fullback Jon Williams converted both to give his side a 24-10 half time lead.

Carle Ellis (Blue Bulls) and Damien Hudd (Tigers) were both sin-binned early on in the second half for fighting, a fight that broke out after former Great Britain star John Devereux was punched in the face. But the veteran had the last laugh as he barged his way over the try-line three minutes later for the Bulls fifth try. A Jon Williams conversion gave the Bulls a 20 point lead.

Tigers’ Steven Mayley then got his second to lower the deficit before Kevin Ellis claimed his second try of the game and

his fifth in three matches. Man of the Match Gareth James also crossed for a brace before late tries for Gareth Marks and Matthew Williams gave Torfaen a more respectable score line.

This was one of the toughest matches the Bridgend Blue Bulls have had in their short existence and Torfaen may well have won had they not lost their discipline on many occasions.

For the Bulls Gareth James and Nathan Strong were brilliant and both made numerous breaks while Jon Williams kicked seven out of eight kicks at goal. Matthew Williams and Steven Mayley were the star man for Torfaen in a thrilling game of Rugby League that pleased the crowd in a time that Rugby Union in the area is being destroyed by the destruction of the Celtic Warriors region.

BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Kevin Ellis (2)
Paul Williams
Geraint Lewis
Gareth James (2)
John Devereux

GOALS:
Jon Williams (7)

TORFAEN TIGERS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Phillip Marsh
Steven Mayley (2)
Gareth Marks
Matthew Williams

GOALS:
Matthew Williams (3)
Adrian Fowler

Article by Simon Green
24 May 2004