18 Sep TEAM TO FACE CARMARTHEN AT THE PARK

A trip to Carmarthen Park is next for Bridgend Ravens as they look to build on a reasonably positive start to the season on Saturday (2pm).

Both Bridgend and Carmarthen have a win each from their two games. Bridgend beat Swansea on opening day 28pts to 27 before a narrow home reverse to Aberavon last time out by 24pts to 18. Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for Tom Smith to take from the game against the Wizards.

Carmarthen were humbled at The Park on the first weekend by 51pts to 34. They bounced back in style on Saturday though, with a thumping win at The Gnoll against Neath 49pts to 14.

Last season, Bridgend completed a rare double over the West Walians. The Ravens won the first fixture at the Park by 22pts to 14 before a home win under the Brewery’s lights 8pts to 7.

Tom Smith rotates the matchday squad slightly following last weekend’s defeat to Aberavon. There’s just one change to the back line with Tommy Morgan in at 12, replacing Rhys Williams who takes his place amongst the replacements.

There’s a freshening up in the front row with Harry Olding and Liam Tobias coming in to start. There’s also a new second row partnership with Aled Evans and Ben Thomas paired together. Jordan Collier and Reuben Tucker are back in the back row alongside captain Zac O’Driscoll.

Amongst Bridgend’s replacements is former Ospreys centre, Hanno Dirksen, who is set to make his club debut should he take to the field.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Caine Woolerton 13. Stuart Floyd Ellis 12. Tommy Morgan 11. Cameron Ellis 10. Luke Price 9. Chris Williams

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

Replacements: 16. Evan Yardley 17. Phil Price 18. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 19. Jack Pope 20. Iestyn Merriman 21. Connor Tantum 22. Rhys Williams 23. Hanno Dirksen