The Bridgend Blue Bulls gained revenge for the defeat earlier in the season at Nelson RFC by beating the Valley Cougars in the top of the table clash at Maesteg. The Cougars almost took the lead in the fourth minute but Ryan Sadler just failed to ground the ball after food work from Kevin James, and Bridgend made them pay as Matthew Hutchings and Craig Fox combined well to send Gareth Howells over for the opening score, Howells also converted

Then minutes later Shaun Owens broke away, he was stopped short but the ball was spun out to Dave Norman who then passed back to Owens who crossed under the posts, Howells again converting for a 12-0 lead. A crunching tackle on Cougars stand off Paul Emanuelli from Andrew Fryer prevented what looked like a certain score, but moments later the Valleymen did score with prop Mark ‘Blobby’ Jones crashing over.

The Blue Bulls then had former Crusader Karl Hocking yellow carded for a high tackle and the visitors took full advantage scoring twice while he was off the pitch. Firstly Rhodri Morris slid over after good play from John Sanigar then Ryan Sadler made up for his earlier error with a fine solo effort, Emanuelli converting both for a 12-18 lead. But the final ten minutes belonged to Bridgend, Craig Fox weaved around three would-be tacklers to claim his sides third try before Lee Sims broke away and sent Shaun Owens in for his second, then in the dying seconds a long pass from Nathan Strong found Alan Pope who raced over in the corner, Howells added two more kicks to make it 28-18 at the break.

An excellent break from Troy Brockbank should have resulted in an early try for the Cougars in the second half but the New Zealander was left with no support. Then good play from Bulls prop Charles Stevenson saw Fox grab a second try with Howells again converting, Liam Williams then came close for the Cougars but was denied thanks to a great tackle from Pope. Bridgend centre Andrew Fryer, who was excellent in defence then showed he can also score as he raced over the line after a break from Owens and Howells again kicked the extras to give his team a 22 point lead.

That lead was then cut when the excellent Sadler claimed his second try but then a cross field kick from Emanuelli was missed by his team mates and picked up by Bulls debutant Alan Pope who ran the length of the field to make the game safe, Howells kick making it 46-22. The Cougars then played there best Rugby League in the closing stages and were rewarded with two late tries, Ryan Sadler claimed his third before John Sanigar went over late on to make the final score 46-32.

For the Blue Bulls centre Andrew Fryer was awesome in defence and tackled throughout while Owens and Fox had there best games of the summer. For the Cougars Troy Brockbank continued the fine form he has shown all season and Ryan Sadler played great Rugby and deserved his hat-trick. With each team having won the home game in this fixture it is likely that whoever finishes top in 2010 will come down to points difference, that’s if the teams can win their remaining two games.

BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Gareth Howells
Shaun Owens (2)
Craig Fox (2)
Alan Pope (2)
Andrew Fryer

GOALS:
Gareth Howells (7)