Newsroom | Welsh Rugby Union | Official Website : Relegation despair for Bridgend

Bridgend were relegated from the Principality Premiership when they surrendered a halftime lead to lose 19-16 to Aberavon at the Brewery Field last night.

Even though the Ravens had former British Lion wing Dafydd James and a posse of Ospreys in the side - including David Bishop, Gareth Owen, Ryan Bevingtion, Ed Shervington and among others - the home side crashed out of the Premiership after seeing their 16-3 lead at the break relinquished in the cruelest fashion when Wizards full-back Marc Bennett scored an injury-time try to leave home fans reeling in shock.

The losing bonus point wasn't enough for Bridgend who finished level with Pontypool but a superior number of victories ensure safety for the Gwent side and relegation for the Ravens while Carmarthen Quins are the promoted side who will join the Premiership next season.

The Wizards opened the scoring with a penalty from fly-half Jamie Davies but opposite number Gareth Bowen rifled over three penalties and converted a well constructed try by flanker Gareth Jenkins to put the Ravens in the ascendancy at the break.

Davies put the visitors back in the game with three penalties and the Ravens were hard pressed to keep the Wizards at bay. It looked like they were going to hang on but Bennett's intervention in the 81st minute ensured heartache for the Ravens.

Scorers: Bridgend: Try - G Jenkins: Con - G Bowen; Pens - G Bowen (3).
Aberavon: Try - M Bennett; Con - J Davies; Pens - J Davies (4).

Pontypridd Man of the Match Simon Humberstone says there is more to come from his team after they clinched the double by winning the Principality Premiership final.

Pontypridd assistant coach Paul John was delighted with the way his side finished off the season with a commanding performance in the Principality Premiership final.