photo by Ian Lovell

West Wales Sharks earned their first ever win, giving Bridgend Blue Bulls the West Wales title and opening up the play-off race in the process.

The Sharks dominated the first half with two tries from Jonathan Griffiths and one each from Gareth Murphy and Mark Cook. Griffiths converted all four.

But Griffiths was unable to start the second half due a knock he picked up just before the interval and Sharks’ chairman

Paul Prendiville admitted that it caused them to lose a bit of composure.

Prendiville said: “We lost our way a bit in the second half. Jonathan was our man of the match and him going off at half-time enabled Aberavon to get back into it. They came back well – they’re a good side but I’m pleased we’ve got our first win. I’m thrilled for the players who all had a good game. Hooker, Kevin Davies was a tower of strength in the second half and a lot of it was down to him that we held on.”

Daniel Jacobs scored the Sharks’ lone second half try while Aberavon were led by Mike Healy who scored a try and conversion. Jason Kenneally, Rhys Andrews and Lawrence Griffiths also crossed for the Fighting Irish but it wasn’t enough for them on the night.

Aberavon now need to beat Bridgend on Saturday to secure a play-off place.

article by Ian Golden
26 July 2006