Davies’ effort meant Aberavon ran out 21-19 winners, coming back from the dead after the Ravens had moved ahead in the last five minutes due to a penalty try.
In a see-saw encounter, Bridgend started the better with Chris Williams crossing for the first try of the day, Ross Jones converting. The frantic start suited the visitors and they peppered the Aberavon line looking for a second score.
Their momentum was interrupted when Adam Hillier Rees was forced from the field with an injury that looks set to require surgery to his shoulder but a second score soon arrived when James Dixon dived over.
At 12-0 down, Aberavon needed to hit back and they did just that with Davies kicking two penalties and Neil White crashing over following a powerful forward drive.
With the wind in their favour after the break, Aberavon looked to keep the ball in hand and were rewarded when Chris Morgans picked up a loose ball to dive over. Davies missed the conversion and when referee Neil Hennessey awarded the Ravens a penalty score, they looked home and hosed.
Davies had the last laugh though and his late, nerveless penalty gave the Wizards a morale boosting win.
At St Helen’s, a hat-trick from Jason Harries saw Carmarthen Quins come out on top in a high-scoring encounter with Swansea. Louie Tonkin’s side ran out 21-45 winners with centre John Williams adding a brace and Howard Thomas also crossing. Fly half Craig Evans converted all six tries in a perfect kicking performance.
Swansea scored three converted tries themselves through Mark Harvey, Paul John and Aled Jenkins but it was the Quins who progressed.
Neath produced an impressive showing against Cross Keys at The Gnoll, but it was the Gwent side who came out on top. Greg Woods’ men triumphed 17-23 despite tries from Ceri Young and Gareth Bateman for the Welsh All Blacks.
Llanelli were too much for Tata Steel of the Championship, Dion Jones carrying his superb kicking form into 2014. The young full back booted five conversions and a penalty in a 38-10 win. Outside centre James Griffiths scored twice.
Ebbw Vale were convincing winners over fellow Championship side Beddau at Eugene Cross Park, man of the match Rhys Clarke scoring four tries in a 71-13 victory. The Steelmen crossed for a remarkable 11 tries in total despite head coach Jason Strange making a number of changes.
Ebbw’s forward dominance laid a superb platform for the backs with skipper Ronny Kynes, Joe Franchi, Ian Smerdon and Jordan Howells all impressing. Clarke’s efforts aside, the home side’s tries came from Spencer Gibson (2), Kynes, David James, Wes Cunlifffe, Liam Roberts and Ashley Sweet with Smerdon adding seven conversions.
Cardiff Met were 14-7 winners over Blackwood while Newbridge claimed an impressive 17-19 away win at Pontypool.
The clashes between Bargoed and Bedwas, Llanharan and Tondu and Newport and Bonymaen were all postponed and will be replayed at a later date.
SWALEC Cup round one results.
Aberavon 21-19 Bridgend
Bargoed v Bedwas (POSTPONED)
Cardiff Met 14-7 Blackwood
Ebbw Vale 71-13 Beddau
Llanelli 38-10 Tata Steel
Llanharan v Tondu (POSTPONED)
Neath 17-23 Cross Keys
Newport v Bonymaen (POSTPONED)
Pontypool 17-19 Newbridge
Swansea 21-45 Carmarthen Quins
Byes: Pontypridd, Llandovery, Cardiff, Narberth, Bridgend Athletic, RGC 1404.
