27 Mar TEAM TO FACE NEWPORT AT NEWPORT STADIUM

Bridgend Ravens start their end-of-season run with a trip to last season’s champions, Newport, on Saturday afternoon (2:30pm).

The Black and Ambers are the in-form side in Wales and hold the League Title, SRC Cup and the Challenger Shield. They continued their fine run of form with a thumping 44-17 win at Ebbw Vale last weekend, taking the Challenger Shield from Jason Strange’s men.

Bridgend were left to rue a poor lineout and missed kicks at goal as they left the tight affair with Llandovery empty handed. The Ravens threatened another second half comeback but fell just short, holding onto 8th place, and the final home wildcard playoff spot, by just three points from Aberavon with three rounds left to play.

The sides have met once this season and a see-saw game went Newport’s way by 40pts to 29. The corresponding fixture last season also went to the Black and Ambers 44pts to 22 – with Bridgend picking up a bonus point in both games for scoring four tries.

For Saturday’s match, Baldwin rotates his squad – with Edd Howley moving to full back and Cameron Ellis taking the vacant wing spot. Ryan Wilkins makes his first start of the season, paired with new signing Gethin O’Callaghan. Ben Burnell and Harvey Nash are the half backs.

Amongst the forwards, there’s are a pair of changes to the front row with Alex George and Nathan Evans selected either side of Corey Lewis. Barnaby Waddell and Evan Hill are the second rows with an unchanged back row of Kyle Harris, Zac O’Driscoll and Thomas Jevons.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Cameron Ellis 13. Ryan Wilkins 12. Gethin O’Callaghan 11. Mccauley Rowley 10. Ben Burnell 9. Harvey Nash

1. Alex George 2. Corey Lewis 3. Nathan Evans 4. Barnaby Waddell 5. Evan Hill 6. Kyle Harris 7. Zac O’Driscoll (cc) 8. Thomas Jevons (cc)

Replacements: 16. McKenzie Scales 17. Harry Olding 18. Callum Donoghue – Proud 19. Alfie Thomas 20. Morgan Boobyer 21. Chris Williams 22. Fraser Jones 23. Lloyd Wilkins