Bridgend Ravens’ next Super Rygbi Cymru assignment is the first of back to back meetings with RGC, the first at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday (2:30pm). 

Super Rygbi Cymru’s ‘Festive Derby’ has seen Bridgend paired with the North Walians and the two sides will go head to head in consecutive weekends either side of Christmas.

There’s just one point and one place between the sides in this season’s current standings. RGC have won four games to date and Bridgend three, so Saturday’s tie is certain to be a close fought encounter.

The Ravens folded in the second half at Pontypool Park last weekend. Having lead 20pts to 10 at the interval, Pooler coasted to a 58pts to 25 victory with a storming second half performance to condemn Bridgend to defeat. The Ravens were able to battle to a bonus point though, crossing for four tries in defeat.

RGC’s last match saw them lose at Church Bank against Llandovery, 31pts to 23. Their victories have come against Llandovery, Swansea, Pontypool and Carmarthen Quins, all at Stadiwm Zipworld.

Last season, Bridgend edged out the Gogs 14pts to 10 at a rain soaked Dunraven Brewery Field thanks to a late try from Cameron Ellis. The Ravens home record against the North Walians is an impressive one, with just one defeat in the last six games (coming in 2019).

With regular back three options Ben Evans and Edd Howley injured, Mccauley Rowley moves to full back. He features in a back three alongside Corum Nott and Cameron Ellis, making his first competitive appearance of the season. The centre partnership of Ryan Wilkins and Joseph Gatt is selected again, with Harvey Nash returning from suspension to partner Ben Burnell at half back.

Up front, the front row is unchanged from last weekend with an all Ospreys second row of Evan Hill and Lewis Jones. There’s a reshuffle in the back row with Ioan Pascoe coming into the side alongside Zac O’Driscoll. Thomas Jevons is selected at No8.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Mccauley Rowley 14. Corum Nott 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Ryan Wilkins 11. Cameron Ellis 10. Ben Burnell 9. Harvey Nash

1. Harry Olding 2. Evan Yardley 3. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 4. Evan Hill 5. Lewis Jones 6. Ioan Pascoe 7. Zac O’Driscoll (captain) 8. Thomas Jevons

Replacements: 16. Corey Lewis 17. Freddie Chapman 18. Liam Tobias 19. Travis Huntley 20. Alfie Llewellyn 21. Chris Williams 22. Tommy Morgan 23. Jakob Williams