Blue Bulls pip Fighting Irish at Rainy Aberavon
The Bridgend Blue Bulls maintained their amazing 14 month long 100% winning record with a hard though 20-17 victory away to Aberavon Fighting Irish.

Both teams performed brilliantly, especially in the strong wind and driving rain in a thrilling but error strewn match that saw each team score three tries.

The Blue Bulls started the better with a early try from Nathan Strong after a great break from Carle Ellis but the Fighting Irish were soon on level terms after a superb solo try from David Hawkins.

With a strong wind at their backs Aberavon dominated for most of the first half and were rewarded with a second try late on from Liam Gadd, which Dean Scully converted from the touchline to give the home team a 10-4 half time lead, the first time the Blue Bulls had ever been behind at half time.

The weather continued to play a big part in the second half with the players finding it hard to keep hold of a very slippery ball and both sides missed opportunities to score. But a great cross field kick from Jon Williams fell perfectly for Grant Epton who crossed under the posts for the Bulls second try, Jon Williams converted to bring the scores level.

A Dai Owen try, plus a conversion and penalty goal from Jon Williams gave the Blue Bulls an eight point lead before Aberavon's Neil Davies slotted over a drop goal after they had a try disallowed.

Jon Williams then kicked his second penalty after a high tackle on John Devereux – a tackle that should have resulted in a red card, before David Hawkins ran straight through the Blue Bulls defence and crossed for his second

try of the game. Dean Scully added the extras to set up a tense final 10 minutes, but the reigning Welsh Conference Champions managed to hold on for a 17-20 victory.

This was an excellent game of Rugby League in which both sides performed brilliantly and both teams could easily compete in the National Leagues. It was a game played with such pride and determination that neither team deserved to lose. If we keep witnessing top class games like this it will not be very long before South Wales has a Rugby League side playing at the highest level.

For the Blue Bulls Dan Williams, Nathan Strong and Carle Ellis were excellent while for the Fighting Irish David Hawkins and Dean Scully were in top form.

The Blue Bulls next game is at home to the ever improving Newport Titans who had a great 32-14 victory over the Torfaen Tigers.


FIGHTING IRISH SCORERS:
TRIES:
David Hawkins (2)
Liam Gadd

GOALS:
Dean Scully (2)

DROPS:
Neil Davies

BLUE BULLS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Nathan Strong
Grant Epton
Dai Owen

GOALS:
Jon Williams (4)

Article by Simon Green
01 Jun 2004