31 Oct Team to face Newport at the Brewery

Posted at 08:29h in 2025/2026 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens kick off a series of three consecutive home matches at the Dunraven Brewery Field when last season’s Champions Newport visit on Saturday (2:30pm).

The Ravens come into the game on the back of a pair of hugely disappointing results and performances. The first was a comprehensive 43pts to 10 reverse at Pontypool Park before they were defeated 35pts to 17 at Llandovery last Thursday. Bridgend left themselves far too much to do in each game, trailing 22pts to 5 and 28pts to 5 respectively at the interval and ultimately succumbing to defeat in both.

The defence of Newport’s title has got off to a poor start – but they kick started their season with a stunning 12pts to 5 win over Ebbw Vale last weekend and have been within a whisker of winning each of the other games since. They’ll certainly be amongst the conversion for honour come the end of the season with a strong squad and a healthy regional contingent amongst the weapons available to them.

The B&A’s won both games between the sides last season – a narrow 17pts to 14 win at the Brewery thanks to a late Jac Lloyd penalty and a 41pts to 22 win at Newport Stadium.

Scott Baldwin takes the opportunity to refresh his squad; Lloyd Wilkins replaces Edd Howley at fullback as he continues to overcome a knock sustained at Llandovery last weekend. Fraser Jones moves to 12 with Ben Burnell taking the 10 jersey and there’s a first start of the season for wing Cameron Ellis.

Amongst the forwards, Lewis Jones and Evan Hill are back from regional duty to start in the second row with James Richards moving to 6.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Lloyd Wilkins 14. Ben Evans 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Fraser Jones 11. Cameron Ellis 10. Ben Burnell 9. Harvey Nash

1. Harry Olding 2. Tyler Olding 3. Nathan Evans 4. Evan Hill 5. Lewis Jones 6. James Richards 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Thomas Jevons

Replacements: 16. Alex George 17. Jarrad Williams 18. Owen Hatherill 19. James Owen 20. Alfie Thomas 21. Dan Roderick 22. Mccauley Rowley 23. Rhydian Greenhall