13 Dec TEAM TO FACE PONTYPOOL AT THE PARK

Posted at 09:29h in 2024/25 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens are back on this road this Saturday for a trip to Pontypool Park to face Pontypool (2:30pm).

Both sides saw their scheduled Super Rygbi Cymru matches postponed last weekend due to Storm Darragh’s devastating impact across Wales.

The Ravens are looking to get back to winning ways following four successive league defeats – the latest a 28pts to 12 loss at Church Bank against reigning champions Llandovery a fortnight ago.

Pooler were in action the same afternoon, becoming the latest side to be defeated at Cardiff Arms Park by league pace-setters, Cardiff (27pts to 10). Their previous match was a comfortable 43pts to 10 win at St Helen’s against Swansea, and the Men of Gwent are having another fine season and have four wins from their eight games to date. They sit three points, and two places above the Ravens so Saturday’s game is set to be a closely fought affair as both teams look to kick on in this second block of fixtures.

The encounter between the sides earlier this season narrowly went Pontypool’s way after a late Pat Lewis try earned Tom Hancock’s side a 29pts to 26 win at the Dunraven Brewery Field. Pooler also won last season’s corresponding fixture 39pts to 14.

Following the postponement of last weekend’s scheduled home tie with Newport, Scott Baldwin largely sticks with the same side that would have taken the field that afternoon. A product of the Bridgend Rugby Pathway, Back Three statlet Ben Evans is set to make his senior rugby debut, selected on the wing for Saturday’s match.

Dylan Burrows is the one change in the pack, taking the place of Travis Huntley who moves to the bench.

Amongst Bridgend’s replacements is Ospreys prop, Freddie Chapman, hoping to make his first appearance for the club. He’s joined by his regional colleagues Tom Florence and Rhydian Greenhall.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Ben Evans 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Ryan Wilkins 11. Mccauley Rowley 10. Ben Burnell 9. Chris Williams

1. Harry Olding 2. Evan Yardley 3. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 4. Dylan Burrows 5. Evan Hill 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Zac O’Driscoll (captain) 8. Barnaby Waddell

Replacements: 16. Corey Lewis 17. Freddie Chapman 18. Liam Tobias 19. Travis Huntley 20. Thomas Jevons 21. Jakob Williams 22. Tom Florence 23. Rhydian Greenhall