The Bridgend Blue Bulls recovered well after there recent heavy defeat away to the Valley Cougars with a 58-16 victory over the Newport Titans. Gareth David, playing his first game for the side in two years ran the show in the first half scoring a hat-trick. His first came in the first minute after a break from Lee Sims and he also converted for an early 6-0 lead.

Cameron Shannon came close to claiming a second minutes later before Shaun Owens went over in the corner after a 60 metre run from Daniel Smith. Smith was again involved in Bridgend’s third when he crashed through the Newport defence and gave a excellent offload to Chris McGrath, the wing then showed good speed before passing to his captain Craig Fox who slid under the posts, David again converting to make it 16-0. A great break by Nathan Hawkins should have then resulted in a try for Andrew Fryer but the centre just failed to hold on to the scoring pass.

The Titans then hit back when Ross Palmer took advantage of some Blue Bulls indiscipline quickly taking a penalty to send wing Daniel Esposito over for an unconverted try. But the Blue Bulls then finished strongly with Gareth David crossing twice, the first after some good play from Nathan Hawkins before Tondu’s Matthew Morgan barged over late on, and David added all three kicks to make it 34-4 at half time.

The Blue Bulls continued the good form at the start of the second half when Lloyd O’Connor won the re-start and passed to Sean Haren, the second row then handed off three tacklers to score, with Gareth Howells converting. Some great play from Tylon Mafi and debutant Jordan Skidmore then sent Gareth Howells over the line for his fifth try in three games before Newport started to find some good form and Dragonhearts forward John Griffiths scored after a Esposito break then Sam Wilkins raced over to make it 48-12.

Griffiths looked to have scored a second but he was held up over the line by James Elton and then Craig Fox grabbed his second for the Bulls with Howells again converting to make it 48-12.

John Griffiths then did eventually claim his second but the Blue Bulls finished with a flourish with Nathan Strong crossing twice in the dying seconds, the second coming after an excellent chip and chase from Cameron Shannon.

It was a much improved performance by the Blue Bulls with half backs Gareth David and Shaun Owens working well together while centres Andrew Fryer and Gareth Howells where solid throughout. Cameron Shannon had a good game at fullback while debut wing Jordan Skidmore did well in his first game of Rugby League after coming on at half time.

In the forwards Daniel Smith, Lee Sims and Tylon Mafi was excellent and caused havoc for the Titans defence while Wales U18s cap Nathan Hawkins had a fine game starting at loose forward for the first time. Meanwhile prop James Elton celebrated the birth of his baby girl by having his best game in a Blue Bulls jersey.

Blue Bulls captain Craig Fox, playing back in his preferred position at hooker also had a great game and after the match said

“our defence was much better than a fortnight ago away to the Cougars and when we played to our strengths we played some good Rugby League and scored some great tries. We were disappointed to have conceded four tries but we scored 11 and were pleased with our overall performance“.

Next Saturday the Bridgend Blue Bulls are home again when they take on the Cardiff Demons at Porthcawl RFC, kick off 2pm when they finally hope to give a debut to Trevor Leota, the big Samoan was suppose to play last weekend but he was delayed in Dubai where he has been playing Rugby Union.

Prior to the main game the Bridgend Blue Heifers Tag Team will take on the Celtic Barbarians in a 12pm kick off. The teams are playing a best out of three series which the Heifers currently lead 1-0.

BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Gareth David (3)
Shaun Owens
Craig Fox (2)
Matthew Morgan
Sean Haren
Gareth Howells
Nathan Strong (2)
GOALS:
Gareth David (5) & Gareth Howells (2)

NEWPORT TITANS SCORERS:
TRIES:
Daniel Esposito
John Griffiths (2)
Sam Wilkins