Llanelli edge Bridgend in try-fest

Bridgend Ravens came away from Parc y Scarlets with a bonus point after an entertaining 46-36 defeat against last season's runners up Llanelli.

In an open clash, the home side got things moving with an early score from Josh Adams. However, it did not take Bridgend long to react. A yellow card preceded a Bridgend Ravens penalty try, which James Dixon converted.

Minutes later, Scarlets hooker Kirby Myhill crashed over the whitewash but again, Bridgend battled back through an excellent score from Ross Jones. Dixon landed the conversion to give the Ravens the lead the lead 10 minutes before half time.

Although Bridgend were well in the game in the run up to the break, the tries continued to fly in with two more coming from Llanelli. Josh Lewis scored and converted his own try with a penalty try securing a four try bonus point.

The second half saw an even more open encounter ensue. Kyle Evans managed to cross for Llanelli to take the game away from the Ravens, before Matt Dwyer pulled one back for Bridgend.

Amidst a flurry of changes, Steffan Evans scored twice to pull Llanelli well clear, the home side spreading the ball wide at pace and finding gaps at will.

That is why all credit should go to Bridgend for their response in the last period. Adam Williams scored his second try in two games before Jones gave hope to the visiting supporters.

Christmas has come early at Glynneath rugby club, one of a number around Wales who have received an array of merchandise and equipment this December courtesy of the Welsh Rugby Union's £750,000 participation points scheme.
The WRU have been delivering on the scheme - which gives individual clubs access to up to £5,000 worth of supplies and equipment each for the 2014/2015 season - over the last two weeks and today (Friday) were received by a special guest in Glynneath, club president and pitch marker Max Boyce.

We watch the new grass growing and being stitched together in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We speak to Millennium Stadium groundsman Lee Evans, Wales great Ieuan Evans gives an overview on the new strategy announced by head of rugby Josh Lewsey, while we also hear from Bedwas, Aberavon and Carmarthen Quins in the Principality Premiership.

We hear about the WRU's annual report and some exciting new plans for schools and clubs round Wales in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. WRU finance director Steve Phillips explains the money side, while head of rugby Josh Lewsey explains his new strategy for schools and clubs. We also get reaction from all round Wales.

The Welsh Rugby Union has launched a nationwide education programme, to help all involved in the game to recognise and remove' players with concussion. Wales, Racing Metro and Lions centre Jamie Roberts Wales assistant coach Rob Howley, WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey and representatives of grassroots clubs in Wales who helped finalise the policy. We also hear from WRU National Medical Manager Prav Mathema, plus Llanelli and Cardiff in the Principality Premiership.