NEWBRIDGE remain hopeful that a shortly to be announced new management team will keep them on an even keel next season.

Last night's match at Bridgend marked the final appearance on the Welsh Premiership stage for the relegated Welfare Ground side, who were only taken to task during the last 10 minutes.

During a hectic finish, Bridgend collected four late tries to give the scoreline a lop-sided feel.

Newbridge, 30-10 in arrears at half time, battled bravely throughout a scoreless third quarter.

Bridgend were guilty of over-elaboration on several occasions, and fell foul of New-bridge's no-frills approach. Scrum-half Rhys Hallett was New-bridge's most polished performer before retiring at half time while flanker Steve Evans was also conspicuous.

However, the performance-of-the-night came from Bridgend fly-half Gareth David, who contributed 35 points, including a hat trick of tries.

He also improved on seven of his side's nine tries and landed two penalties.

The result was a 19th consecutive defeat for Newbridge whose last win dated back to December 18 and the 27-23 cup win at Builth Wells.

It has been a long, hard season for the famous old club, and with continued talk of the Premiership being slimmed down to 12 clubs it will take a huge effort to get them back to the top.

They were 15-0 down before flanker Steve Evans responded with a 20th-minute try and at this point Newbridge were competitive.

Newbridge's other try was claimed in the 33rd minute by prop Anthony Wilkshire, following sustained driving close to the line.

And during the third quarter it seemed as if Newbridge were about to frustrate third-placed Bridgend, who looked to be going nowhere fast.

But in the end their runners cut loose and it came as a huge relief when the final whistle sounded on one of the poorest seasons in Newbridge's 117-year history.

Bridgend: A Carter, S Cullen, P Williams, C Tossell, N Dixon (L Thomas 51), G David, B Roach (N. Griffiths 51), L Manning, A Phillips, G Alexander (G Long 55), M Powell (D Hockin 63), H Alford (C Stephens 66), C Hanley, N Strong, D Fitzgerald. Scorers: tries: G David (3), C Tossell (2), H Alford, B Roach, D Fitzgerald, S Cullen; cons: G David (7); pens: G David (2)

Newbridge: J Williams, C Arnold, G Bowen, C Wills, G Ferguson, R Watts, R Hallett (M Addis 40), Rhodri Davies (A Oliver 69), N Graham (P Taylor 16), A Wilkshire, A Morgan, C Blunsdon, S Evans, J Powell, N Coles. Scorers: tries: S Evans, A Wilkshire.