21 Aug TEAM TO FACE NEATH AT THE GNOLL
Bridgend Ravens head to the Gnoll on Friday for their second pre-season fixture, this time against Premiership side Neath (7:30pm).
The Welsh All Blacks had a fine season last year, capped with a Welsh Premiership Cup triumph against Merthyr at Principality Stadium. They finished fourth in the league, with 14 wins and 10 defeats from their 24 league games.
Bridgend got their pre-season underway on field last weekend, seeing off Bedwas by 33pts to 19 as Scott Baldwin ran the rule over 31 of his squad, including a number of pathway prospects. Neath have also played in one pre-season tie so far, a comprehensive 49pts to 21 win at Maesteg at the Old Parish played on the 8th August.
It’s the first time the sides will have met since 2018/19. The Ravens won both ties that season, which ended up being a turbulent season for the Gnoll-based side. Bridgend won at home by 78pts to 5, and 10pts to 7 at Neath in a season that saw the Ravens survive relegation on the final day. of that season
For Friday’s match, Scott Baldwin has again selected a wider squad, intending to look at as many players as possible with the SRC starting in under a month.
Bridgend Ravens XV: 15.Edd Howley 14. Rhydian Greenhall 13. Ryan Conbeer 12. Ryan Wilkins 11. Cameron Ellis 10. Ben Burnell 9. Chris Williams
1. Iestyn Pope 2. Corey Lewis 3. Nathan Evans 4. Alfie Thomas 5. Cody Ray David 6. Kyle Harris 7. Morgan Boobyer 8. Ioan Davies
Replacements from: McKenzie Scales, Liam Tobias, Callum Dononghue Proud, Dom Manaseitava, Rhys Dauncey, Chris Long, Jared Williams, Ethan Evans, Dan O’Sullivan, Iestyn Merriman, Harvey Nash, Iwan Powell, Mccauley Rowley, Fraser Jones, Joseph Gatt, Gabe Lacey, Harley Williams.
Tickets are available for advance purchase directly from Neath by clicking the link below. Admission is £5, with under 16’s admitted free with a paying adult.