31 Jan TEAM TO FACE ABERAVON (A)

Bridgend Ravens head into Super Rygbi Cymru Cup action this weekend with a derby match at Talbot Athletic Ground against Aberavon (2:30pm).

Bridgend are in Pool A of the newly launched SRC Cup in which they’ll face Aberavon, Cardiff, Llandovery and RGC either home or away with the group winner heading to the final against the top ranked side in Pool B.

Bridgend had a bye last weekend and were in league action, with an 82nd minute Jac Lloyd penalty enough to see Newport edge a tight 17pts to 14 victory over Scott Baldwin’s side.

Aberavon got their cup campaign underway, letting slip a 42pts to 33 lead to lose to RGC in North Wales 54pts to 42 with the Gogs crossing for three late tries.

In this season’s league action, Bridgend did the double over the Wizards for the first time since 2017/18. A 29pts to 28 in Port Talbot was followed by a last kick 30pts to 27 win at the Dunraven Brewery Field last time out.

It’s all change for Bridgend Ravens this weekend as Scott Baldwin gives opportunities to his wider squad to impress in cup action. Cameron Ellis comes in at 15, in a back three alongside Gabe Lacey and Rhydian Greenhall. In midfield it’s Joseph Gatt and Iwan Griffith, with Edd Howley moving to 10, paired with Chris Williams at half back.

Ospreys youngster Freddie Chapman, Corey Lewis and Eli Cowan comprise the front row, with Dan Bartlett given a first start in the second row alongside Joe Buckle. In the back row, it’s Alfie Llewellyn, Ioan Pascoe and Kyle Harris.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Cameron Ellis 14. Gabe Lacey 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Iwan Griffith 11. Rhydian Greenhall 10. Edd Howley 9. Chris Williams (capt) 1. Freddie Chapman 2. Corey Lewis 3. Eli Cowan 4. Dan Bartlett 5. Joe Buckle 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Ioan Pascoe 8. Kyle Harris

Replacements: 16. Alex George 17. Tom Richardson 18. Marley Lovell 19. Travis Huntley 20. Curtis Greenslade 21. Harvey Nash 22. Tommy Morgan 23. Mccauley Rowley