photo by Simon Green

A depleted Bridgend Blue Bulls team missed out on a chance to become the only team to win the Harry Jepson Cup three times as they lost 32-12 to South London Storm at the semi final stage at Hemel Hempstead.

The reigning Champions were forced to make a number of changes from the team that beat Cardiff Demons a week earlier in the Wales Grand final with brothers Nathan and Owen Strong and Neil Dixon all unavailable while star wing Arran Warner pulled out on the morning of the match with an ankle injury.

Bridgend were therefore forced to move centre Michael John to fullback and bring in wing Ed Tooley for his first game back since tearing knee ligaments back in June.

The Bulls almost got off to the perfect start when Griff Davies broke away almost put Carle Ellis over for the opening try but Ellis was brought down just short and the ball knocked on. The South of England Champions then took control while the Bulls switched off and the Storm scored three tries through Keri Ryan, Alan Emerson and George Coogan to give them a 16 point lead with just 20 minutes gone.

A young Bulls team finally got themselves together and despite much greater possession the Londoners failed to cross the line again, and it got better from Bridgend when centre Tylon Mafi barged his way over the line after good work from Matthew Channel and Lloyd O’Connor, and Marc Bennett converted to make it 16-6 at the break.

The Blue Bulls looked the better team at the start of the second half with the self belief and fighting spirit returning and in the opening minutes Tylon Mafi looked to have claimed his second of the game but the referee disallowed the score despite the Tongan having placed the ball on the line. Great attacking play from Dan Williams and Lloyd O’Connor almost put Ross Howells over moments later but South London again defended their line well.

But just when things looked as if they were turning round for the Wales Champions disaster struck when prop Matthew Wareham was sin-binned for a high tackle, and the Storm immediately took advantage with a try from Donny Varcoe for a 22-6 lead. South London then continued to work the extra man well and only some great defensive play from Bridgend kept them out.

No sooner were the Blue Bulls back up to their full contingent when Kyle Coulter was set to cool off for 10 minutes for punching, the young forward retaliated after being deliberately tripped but the referee took no action against the South London offender.

This time the Croydon based side doubly punished Purnells men by scoring two further tries in Coulters absence for a 32-6 lead, Peter Maddigan grabbing both, and it got worse when Bulls duo Purnell and Phillip Price clashed heads to put them both out of action and needing treatment.

In the final ten minutes Bridgend rallied and after a break from Michael John was eventually rewarded with a second score from Mafi and Tevita Manaseitava

converted to make the score 32-12 at the final whistle.

Despite losing their British title the Bulls were not despondent having done so well this summer despite having to re-build their squad this season. Bridgend also played a very young and inexperienced squad in this match against a team of manly Australians who had played the game for many years.

For the Bulls MOTM Lloyd O’Connor was outstanding and his half-back partner Marc Bennett ran the game well. Carle Ellis also have a fine game and went on many runs causing havoc in the London defence while Michael John did very well in his first outing at fullback, as did wings Ed Tooley and Ross Howells after only discovering they were playing on the morning of the match.

In the forwards captain Jon Purnell again lead from the front while hooker Dan Williams as always put in a tremendous work rate. Special praise should also go to youngster Phillip Price who was brought into the team late on and acquitted himself brilliantly.

After the game Bulls captain Jon Purnell said “I am disappointed not to be in the final again but was very pleased with the performance as all I ask is that everyone gives 100%. We didn’t switch on till late in the first half and the two yellow cards cost us dear as you can’t play 20 minutes with only 12 men, but the guts and determination of the side was outstanding against a very good and well drilled side”.

Bulls Team Manager Simon Green added “despite the loss it’s been a fantastic year and we have proved many people wrong by re-claiming our Wales title and far from disgracing ourselves against the best Conference side in England. Things are also looking very good for the future, there were three teenagers in the team last Sunday in Michael John, Kyle Coulter and Phillip Price who were all superb and have big futures in the game while the majority of our team are under 25 and this was their first year playing Rugby League. We can’t wait for the summer of 2007”.

The Bulls would once again like to thank Kevin Weaver for giving up his time to help coach the side and physio Gareth Davies for all his help during the summer. They would also like to thank all the local Union clubs who have let their players represent the Blue Bulls this and hope they return to them fitter and stronger players.

Most of all they would like to thank Porthcawl RFC for helping to rescue the season and offering them a home after being asked to leave The Brewery Field.

TEAM: Michael John, Ed Tooley, Carle Ellis, Tylon Mafi, Ross Howells, Marc Bennett, Lloyd O’Connor, Matthew Wareham, Dan Williams, Jon Purnell, Tevita Manaseitava, Griff Davies, Simon Mustoe

Subs (all used): Matthew Channel, Kyle Coulter, Phillip Price, Gareth Hopkins

BULLS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Tylon Mafi (2)

GOALS:
Marc Bennett
Tevita Manaseitava

STORM SCORERS:
TRIES:
Keri Ryan
Alan Emerson
George Coogan
Donny Varcoe
Peter Madigan (2)

GOALS:
Mick Walker (4)

article by Simon Green
21 August 2006