TEAM TO FACE NEWPORT AT THE BREWERY

Bridgend Ravens are back in Super Rygbi Cymru action on Saturday when Newport visit the Dunraven Brewery Field (2:30pm).

This fixture was originally due to be played in December but fell foul of Storm Darragh which saw all rugby in Wales postponed throughout the course of that weekend. The sides met on the opening weekend of the season with Newport coming away 41pts to 22 winners in an open and entertaining affair in the September sunshine in which Bridgend secured a late four try bonus point in defeat.

The Ravens were last in action at the start of January when a late Luke Price penalty secured victory, and a season’s double over Aberavon at the Brewery. That result followed an impressive 38pts to 19 win over RGC at Stadiwm CSM with both results propelling Bridgend to sixth place in the current league standings.

Newport are having another great season and sit in fourth place with seven wins from their eleven games to date. They suffered back to back defeats over Christmas – losing 38pts to 21 at Llandovery last time out and a 36pts to 30 home defeat to Cardiff.

Last season, Newport stormed to a comprehensive 57pts to 27 victory at the Brewery, despite Bridgend leading 20pts to 19 at half time. Bridgend know they’ll need to put in an 80 minute performance this time out if they’re to get anything from the Black and Ambers.

There are a couple of new faces in Bridgend’s squad this weekend, with young Ospreys second row Will Greatbanks selected in the starting lineup and set to make his debut. Another hoping to get a taste of the action in Bridgend colours for the first time is outside half Lloyd Wilkins, named amongst the replacements.

Elsewhere, Baldwin names a familiar looking starting lineup as the Ravens go in search of a third consecutive victory.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Jake Thomas 13. Ryan Wilkins 12. Tommy Morgan 11. Mccauley Rowley 10. Luke Price 9. Harvey Nash

1. Harry Olding 2. Evan Yardley 3. Liam Tobias 4. Will Greatbanks 5. Alfie Llewellyn 6. Ioan Pascoe 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Kyle Harris

Replacements: 16. Corey Lewis 17. Freddie Chapman 18. Eli Cowan 19. Joe Buckle 20. Travis Huntley 21. Chris Williams 22. Lloyd Wilkins 23. Gabe Lacey