photo by Ian Lovell

Bridgend Blue Bulls beat a spirited fledgling Swansea Valley Miners side that had five debutants in their line-up.

Bridgend took an early lead thanks to tries in the first ten minutes from Simon Mustoe, in his first ever game of rugby league himself, and Geraint Lewis; the first converted by Paul Smithson.

Mustoe ran in for another on 11 minutes to make it 14-0 but Kevin Allen dived on a grubber kick five minutes later to get a try back for Swansea.

However Paul Smithson restored the balance as he ran in three minutes later

after good work from Craig Voisey, but missed the conversion.

Michael John scored a try in the corner on the half-hour before Kyle Roberts ran from the half way line to get another back for the visitors.

But Dan Williams ensured that Bridgend went in with a 16-point half time lead with a try in the corner right on the hooter.

Nathan Strong scored first after the interval following an excellent break from Tylan Mafi. Smithson converted. Mustoe added his hat-trick minutes later to put the score on 36-8.

Lewis added his second for the Bulls before Swansea fought back with two quick tries from Christian Roets and Kevin Allen.

Roberts then scored the try of the match after breaking through the defence to ground under the posts. Dean Clancy converted.

However two late tries from Williams and Jon Purnell made the final score 48-22

Article by Ian Golden
4 June 2006