13 Sep TEAM TO FACE NEWPORT IN SRC OPENER

Bridgend Ravens kick off the Super Rygbi Cymru campaign with a trip to Newport Stadium to face last season’s Indigo Premiership runners up, Newport on Saturday (2:30pm).

Newport Stadium has been an unhappy hunting ground for the Ravens, who’ve yet to win at the new home of the Black and Ambers. The last time they made the trip east saw them smashed 89pts to 26 as Ty Morris’ side ran riot against a hapless Bridgend side.

It’s been a Summer of change since then, with Scott Baldwin taking the reins as the club’s new Head Coach and a raft of new players coming into his squad. Pre-season has been positive, with wins over Bournville (55-15) and Plymouth (15-7). The Ravens also took part in the Origin Series tie with the Ospreys at Swansea.com a fortnight ago, losing 33-0 to the regional side.

Newport have enjoyed a perfect pre-season with wins over Usk (106-5), Blackheath (40-24), Brecon (54-10) and Dings Crusaders (47-17). They were runners up in last season’s Indigo Premiership, narrowly pipped to the title by Llandovery in the final by 14pts to 7 at Church Bank and they’re expected to be amongst the front runners for Super Rygbi Cymru’s inaugural title.

For Saturday’s opener, Baldwin gives competitive debuts to five new signings. Edd Howley is selected at full back, in a back three alongside new recruits Mccauley Rowley and Jake Thomas. Ryan Wilkins and Joseph Gatt, making his 150th appearance for the club, are paired in midfield, with Luke Price and Harvey Nash the half backs.

In the forwards, Curtis Greenslade is selected at hooker in a front row alongside Harry Olding and another debutant, Marley Lovell. Dylan Burrows and Barnaby Waddell are the second row selections with Kyle Harris, Zac O’Driscoll and Jordan Collier in the back row.

There’s regional representation on Bridgend’s bench with second row Evan Hill poised for a debut and utility back, Tom Florence, returning to the club on permit from the region.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. McCauley Rowley 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Ryan Wilkins 11. Jake Thomas 10. Luke Price 9. Harvey Nash

1. Harry Olding 2. Curtis Greenslade 3. Marley Lovell 4. Barnaby Waddell 5. Dylan Burrows 6. Kyle Harris 7. Zac O’Driscoll (captain) 8. Jordan Collier