03 Nov Team to face Llandovery at the Brewery

Posted at 08:35h in 2023/24 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens welcome reigning Indigo Premiership champions Llandovery to the Dunraven Brewery Field on Friday evening (7:30pm). 

Llandovery went to the top of the division last weekend with a 38pts to 7 home victory against Neath at Church Bank. They’ve been in impressive form again this season, losing just once so far, to Ebbw Vale at Ciner Glass Community Stadium by 25pts to 17. They have six wins from their seven games so far and although recent results have seen them slip to 4th in the league, they will be one of the favourites to be competing for the title once again this year.

Bridgend lost out in agonising circumstances at Ebbw Vale last weekend, with a late penalty try giving the home side an 18pts to 16 victory. It was Bridgend’s third straight league defeat, following slip ups against Pontypridd and Cardiff in recent weeks. A return home represents a good opportunity for Bridgend to bounce back though and recover some of the early season form that saw them start the season so well.

Home victories for Bridgend over Llandovery are rare with the last league success coming in 2018/2019 when the Ravens came away 25pts to 20 victors. The sides have already met once this season at the Dunraven Brewery Field and it was Bridgend that picked up a win courtesy of a second half comeback, 26pts to 19. The corresponding fixture last season went Llandovery’s way, 8pts to 31.

There’s another landmark appearance within the matchday squad this Friday as Stuart Floyd Ellis is set to make his 100th Bridgend Ravens appearance. He’s joined in a settled backline by Edd Howley, Cameron Ellis, Tommy Morgan, Mike Powell, Luke Price and Callaghan Smith who makes his first start for the club.

There are a few changes to the pack; Harry Olding, Evan Yardley and Liam Tobias comprise the front row. Dylan Burrows comes into the starting lineup to partner Jack Pope in the second row. Alfie Llewellyn, Zac O’Driscoll and Jordan Collier are the back row.

Bridgend Ravens XV:  15. Edd Howley 14. Cameron Ellis 13. Stuart Floyd Ellis 12. Tommy Morgan 11. Mike Powell 10. Luke Price 9. Callaghan Smith

1. Harry Olding 2.Evan Yardley 3. Liam Tobias 4. Dylan Burrows 5. Jack Pope 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Jordan Collier

Replacements: 16. Gareth Harvey 17. Owen Jordan 18. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 19. Hemi Barnes 20. Iestyn Merriman 21. Chris Williams 22. Paul Short 23. Joseph Gatt