06 Jan Team to face Carmarthen Quins

Posted at 09:12h in 2022/23 Website News by

​Bridgend Ravens head west to Carmarthen Quins on Saturday afternoon for their first Indigo Premiership match of 2023 (2:30pm).

The Ravens will be buoyed by an improved performance, albeit in a narrow defeat, to Aberavon, last time out as they go in search of their second league win of the season at Carmarthen Park. Bridgend will be under no illusions on how tough that’s going to be though – with their last win at the ground coming way back in 2006. Bridgend picked up victory thanks to tries from flanker Gareth Williams and scrum half Nicky Griffiths that afternoon but the Ravens haven’t won at the Velodrome since.

Carmarthen have also had a disappointing season to date, winning just one league game and bowing out of the Premiership Cup at the group stage. Their one win so far came against regional rivals Llanelli by 28pts top 27, thanks to a last minute try from Kallum Evans.

Quins won all three encounters between the sides last season – two at Carmarthen Park by 27pts to 12 and 22 pts to 17 following a 15pts to 38 win at the Dunraven Brewery Field on the opening day of the season.

​Head Coach Tom Smith sticks largely with the squad which lost out to Aberavon on Boxing Day. Nathan Edwards and Caine Woolerton are the two changes amongst the backs with Harry Olding the only change to Bridgend’s forwards. Amongst the Ravens replacements, Tyler Williams will make his 50th club appearance should be appear from the bench. ​

Bridgend XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Ryan Edwards 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Nathan Edwards 11. Caine Woolerton 10. Luke Price 9. Chris Williams

1. Harry Olding 2. Gareth Harvey 3. Liam Tobias 4. Ben Thomas 5. Jack Pope 6. Jordan Collier 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Reuben Tucker

Replacements: 16. Lee Murphy 17. Owen Jordan 18. Curtis Hicks 19. Hemi Barnes 20. Iestyn Merriman 21. Paul Short 22. Stuart Floyd Ellis 23. Tyler Williams