27 Mar TEAM TO FACE EBBW VALE AT CINER GLASS COMMUNITY STADIUM

Bridgend Ravens visit high flying Ebbw Vale on Thursday evening as Super Rygbi Cymru league action returns (7:30pm).

The Ravens ended the Super Rygbi Cymru group stage on a high with a thrilling 49pts to 42 success over RGC at the Dunraven Brewery Field in their last match. They currently occupy sixth place, the final position which qualifies automatically for the end of season league quarter finals with the chasing pack of RGC and Aberavon hot on their heels

The Steelmen have had another fine season and reached their first cup final in 27 years last Thursday, only to be beaten by Llandovery at Church Bank by 39pts to 7. Jason Strange’s side will be disappointed at the manner of the defeat and will have all focus on continuing their strong home record and giving themselves an opportunity of winning the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru league title in May.

The sides have met once this season, with 14 man Ebbw Vale overcoming Scott Baldwin’s side at the Dunraven Brewery Field by 34pts to 18. Ebbw’s abrasive and powerful pack was too much for the Ravens as Joe Franchi bundled over for a hattrick, along with a penalty try awarded from a forward surge.

For Thursday’s match, Scott Baldwin makes eight changes from the side which featured last time out. Cameron Ellis comes into the back three alongside Edd Howley and Mccauley Rowley, with Joseph Gatt and Tommy Morgan pairing up at midfield. Paul Short also features on permit at outside half for Bridgend, with Chris Williams at 9.

Amongst the forwards, Corey Lewis and Liam Tobias are the changes to the front row, where they are selected alongside Harry Olding. Travis Huntley continues in the second row, paired with James Owen. It’s an unchanged back row of Zac O’Driscoll, Thomas Jevons and Alfie Llewellyn.

There’s some welcome news on the injury front for Bridgend Ravens with second row Dylan Burrows returning from a long term injury to take his place amongst the replacements.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Cameron Ellis 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Tommy Morgan 11. Mccauley Rowley 10. Paul Short 9. Chris Williams

1. Harry Olding 2. Corey Lewis 3. Liam Tobias 4. Travis Huntley 5. James Owen 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Thomas Jevons

Replacements: 16. Curtis Greenslade 17. Freddie Chapman 18. Marley Lovell 19. Dylan Burrows 20. Kyle Harris 21. Harvey Nash 22. Corum Nott 23. Jake Thomas

For those of you unable to make it to Ciner Glass Community Stadium, the match is being broadcast by S4C Clic and is available on this link.