26/09/2025
🏉 Match Report: Bridgend Tornadoes vs Phantoms
📍 Port Talbot | Thursday Night Lights
On a cool Thursday evening under the lights in Port Talbot, the newly formed Bridgend District Tornadoes made their debut against the Phantoms in what turned out to be a thrilling, end to end contest.
🌀 Tornadoes Blow In with a Fast Start
The Tornadoes wasted no time getting on the front foot, launching an early charge deep into Phantoms territory. It wasn’t long before skipper Gazzy David danced through the defence with quick feet to open the scoring and notch the first ever try for the new side.
However, the Phantoms showed their experience, hitting back quickly with two unanswered tries. At this stage, the Tornadoes' defence looked slightly disjointed, but that didn’t last long.
🧱 Defensive Steel Emerges
Led by Smithson, Steve John, and Gareth Taylor, the Tornadoes’ defensive structure began to take shape. Their coordinated pressure and piston-like movements halted several Phantom attacks and shifted the momentum back toward the debutants.
✨ Slick Attack from the Tornadoes
In attack, the Tornadoes looked sharp. Practised moves and excellent heads up rugby saw them slice through the Phantoms’ defence multiple times. Crisp transitions and quick ball from Hoff and Foxy allowed the Tornadoes to strike wide and through the middle.
A beautiful long pass sent Craig Fox over in the corner, followed by a second try from Gazzy David bursting through the centre. Further tries came from Paul Harwood linking brilliantly through the link and wing channel and Aled crossing with pace.
Despite a few more tries from the Phantoms, the Tornadoes went into the break with their heads high after a strong showing on both sides of the ball.
🔁 Second Half – Back and Forth Battle
The second half opened with a bang as Pugs got on the board for the Phantoms. But again, the Tornadoes responded instantly through Gareth Taylor, capping off a flowing team move.
A series of scoreless sets followed, with both defences standing firm until Richard Jones produced a moment of magic stepping past three defenders for a dazzling solo try.
The game became a tit for tat affair, with both teams trading scores. A clever combination between Harwood and Gazzy David freed up Sean Molino out on the wing, who finished in the corner.
The Phantoms hit back again, finding a gap through the mid-link channel. But the Tornadoes wouldn’t be outdone a sharp scoop by Gazzy Taylor followed by an inside ball set up Gareth Davies for another Tornadoes try.
The Phantoms had the final say, dotting down one last time to close out what was an exciting and entertaining contest.
📝 Final Thoughts:
A fantastic first outing for the Bridgend District Tornadoes team, who showed flashes of real quality both in attack and defence. For a team playing together for the first time, their structure, energy, and commitment were hugely impressive. With performances like this, the future looks bright for the Tornadoes. 🌪️
🔥 Tornadoes Try Scorers:
Gazzy David – 🏉🏉
Gazzy Taylor – 🏉
Sean Molino – 🏉
Craig Fox – 🏉
Paul Harwood – 🏉
Richard Jones – 🏉
Aled – 🏉
Gareth Davies – 🏉
👏 A brilliant first chapter written – onwards and upwards, Tornadoes
Huge thanks to Phantoms for their great hospitality and for hosting, refs for giving up their time and our amazing sponsors
Dubliner Irish pub
Fox Aesthetics
Roof Top Tiling
Talbot Street Sreet Dental Surgery
GAP Internals
The phantoms touch rugby
