Tigers claw way to victory (From Free Press Series)

Tigers claw way to victory

Torfaen Tigers 42 Bridgend Blue Bulls 40

The Torfaen Tigers created history by becoming the first Welsh team to beat the Bridgend Blue Bulls in three years in a closely fought and contentious match at Pontypool.

Star man for Torfaen was Jason Hill who claimed a hat-trick of tries. Torfaen took an early 12-0 lead thanks to scores from Jason Hill and Matthew Entwhistle before Carle Ellis hit back for the Bulls. Ed Tooley then got the Tigers fourth before Hill claimed his second to give Torfaen a 26-4 lead after 30 minutes.

But the Bulls hit back when centre Paul Morgan intercepted a loose pass and ran the length of the pitch before wing Owen Strong scored in the corner and lowered the deficit to just 10 points at half time - 26:16.

The Bulls responded when both Carle Ellis and Owen Strong claimed their second scores to draw the game level and Kevin Ellis then put the Bulls in front with a superb solo try, and when Paul Morgan claimed his second Bridgend seemed favourites.

But The Tigers went on the rampage and further tries for Ed Tooley and Jason Hill and a crucial try for Matthew Francombe gave Torfaen a 42-34 lead and although a late Bulls charge saw Morgan claim his hat-trick the Tigers held on for a memorable victory.