17 Nov Team to face RGC at the Brewery

Posted at 11:20h in 2023/24 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens kick off a run of four consecutive home Indigo Premiership matches when RGC visit the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday (2:30pm).

Bridgend returned to winning ways on Thursday, ending a four game losing streak by beating Neath in front of the S4C Cameras by 26pts to 19. It was the Ravens third league win of the season following victories over Swansea and Carmarthen.
RGC have turned a corner in previous week’s after a slow start to the season. They comfortably beat Carmarthen Quins at Stadium Zipworld last weekend by ​38pts to 12. They have ​3 wins from their ​7 games so far​ – including wins against Swansea and Aberavon, and are just two points behind Bridgend in the current standings.​ 
The Ravens have dominated recent encounters between the sides at the Brewery – winning four of the previous five matches. This includes a six try 35pts to 13 win against the Gogs in September in the Premiership Cup.​ Connah Vaughan, Ben Thomas, Cameron Ellis (2) and Edd Howley (2) all bagged tries for the home side that afternoon and Tom Smith will want to see more of the same attacking intent from his team this Saturday. 
 
Bridgend’s Head Coach makes two changes to his backline for Saturday’s game. Cameron Ellis returns to the wing, replacing Mike Powell who takes his place amongst the replacements. Paul Short makes his first start for Bridgend Ravens since his return from injury at outside half. 
 
In the pack, it’s a fresh front row with Harry Olding, Evan Yardley and Matholwch Iorweth Scott given the nod to start. Dylan Burrows and Zac O’Driscoll are the other changes to the Ravens forwards in the second row and back row respectively.
 

Amongst Bridgend’s replacements is former Bridgend College and Ospreys Academy product George Richard who is set to make his first competitive appearance should he take to the field. It’s also set to be a landmark day for Ben Thomas who will make his 50th appearance for the club if he appears from the replacements. 

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Stuart Floyd Ellis 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Tommy Morgan 11. Cameron Ellis 10. Paul Short 9. Chris Williams

1. Harry Olding 2. Evan Yardley 3. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 4. Dylan Burrows 5. Jack Pope 6. Iestyn Merriman 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Jordan Collier

Replacements: 16. Gareth Harvey 17. Alex George 18. Liam Tobias 19. Ben Thomas 20. Hemi Barnes 21. Connor Tantum 22. George Richard 23. Mike Powell