A large crowd had gathered at Pentyrch RFC to witness what has traditionally been one of the highlights of the rugby calendar. The crowd were not disappointed.

Unbeaten Cardiff displayed their intent immediately by countering a strong Bridgend pack in the set piece. From the outset, it was evident that quick ball was the order of the day with both teams equally as eager to gain an early advantage.

It was Cardiff, however, who broke the deadlock, seeing winger Tyler Mahony (St. Cadocs) score the first of his brace of tries. William Hayward (Pentyrch) converted. Although Cardiff began to take a strangle hold of the game, they did not make the most of a number of opportunities and must learn from this, as another two or three tries went begging.

Late into the first half, a well marshalled and controlled driving maul saw a delighted Jordan Viggers (Rumney) go over the whitewash.

Players who caught the eye for their tenacity in defence were Adam Champ (Rhiwbina), Shane Young (Willowbrook) and Jack Beere (St. Berndattes). This doggedness was countered by players with wonderful vision in attack, none more so than Michael Hale (Ysgol Bro Eirwg), Tyler Williams (St. Albans) and Richard Singer (Rhiwbina)

Cardiff sustained the pressure and again, following a decisive run by centre Callum Sheedy (St. Albans), the ball found its way to Mahony. Fleet of foot saw him finish under the posts. William Hayward converted.

A fare more evenly contested second half saw two late Bridgend tries, one on the final whistle. Following the recent performances, Cardiff must feel confident for their impending DC Thomas quarter final draw with Pontypool away at the end of January.

Man of the match must go to Kieran Trotman (Danescourt) for a workmanlike performance.

Cardiff B 14 v Bridgend B 12

The game started at a good pace with both sides contesting the ball well. Although the Cardiff backs looked impressive with ball in hand, their Bridgend counterparts defended resolutely.

Jacob Roberts (Pentyrch), Owen Davies (Coed Glas) and Joseph Wilcox (St. Albans) made some telling tackles close in to stem a number of early Bridgend attacks.

Cardiff did however, find themselves in the comfortable position of being 14  0 up following two backs tries. One, an interception by the effervescent Sebastian Davies (Ysgol Melin Gryffudd) and the other by Joseph Speedy Williams (Lisvane). Williams was put into space and did not need a second invitation to find the try line.

Both tries were expertly converted by Lewis Pearce (Oakfield).

Although Joshua Thomas (Willowbrook), Joel Croker (Baden Powell) and Luke Thomas (St. Josephs) made some decisive counter runs following a series of Bridgend surges, it seemed that Cardiff took their foot off the pedal only to see their opponents pack dominate. Excellent rucking provided a plentiful supply of ball to the opposition backs, putting pressure on the Cardiff XV.

As a result, possession for the Cardiff backs became limited and the defence finally gave in to see Bridgend pull two tries back; only one being converted. This saw the final score finish at 14 -12 in Cardiffs favour.

Man of the match was Lewis Pearce for his sound defence, phenomenal kicking and much improved organisation of his back line.