23 Jan TEAM TO FACE ABERAVON AT THE ELECTRIC BREWERY FIELD

Bridgend Ravens kick off this year’s Super Rygbi Cymru Cup with a home derby against Aberavon at the Electric Brewery Field on Saturday (2:30pm).

Bridgend’s group comprises Llandovery, Ebbw Vale, Swansea and Aberavon – with this year’s competition opening up more routes for silverware with a Cup and Shield to play for.

The sides have met twice this year – with one win each the current state of play. Aberavon won through a late Joe Gage try at the Brewery and Bridgend won late at Talbot Athletic Ground with Corey Lewis and Chris Williams sealing a 36pts to 26 win in Port Talbot.

There’s little between the sides in the current league standings either, so Saturday’s game is set to be another closely fought contest.

Aberavon will be led into Saturday’s match by Interim Head Coach, Chris Davies, with Head Coach Jason Hyatt taking the decision to step away from the club for the remainder of the season to deal with a mental health issue. Everyone at Bridgend Ravens wishes Jason the very best and we look forward to resuming battle with him at the helm next season.

Without a game since 27th December, Scott Baldwin has allowed his squad to remain fresh with game time elsewhere during the fallow weekends. This week’s team sees a number of changes from the side that was set to face Pontypool last, with Baldwin giving game time to his wider squad.

Iestyn Merriman is ineligible for this game as he is cup tied – his place in the back row is taken by Kyle Harris, with Alfie Thomas and captain Thomas Jevons his compatriots. It’s an all Ospreys second row with Evan Hill and Will Greatbanks selected and Harry Olding, Corey Lewis and Matholwch Iorwerth Scott comprise the front row.

In the backs, it’s Dan Roderick and Lloyd Wilkins that make up a new look half back partnership. Tom Florence and Joseph Gatt are paired in midfield, with Gabe Lacey, Cameron Ellis and Fraser Jones the back three.

Ethan Evans is a fresh face for Bridgend supporters, appearing on the bench on permit from Pontypridd.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Fraser Jones 14. Gabe Lacey 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Tom Florence 11. Cameron Ellis 10. Lloyd Wilkins 9. Daniel Roderick

1. Harry Olding 2. Corey Lewis 3. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 4. Evan Hill 5. Will Greatbanks 6. Alfie Thomas 7. Kyle Harris 8. Thomas Jevons (c)

Replacements: 16. Tyler Olding 17. Jared Williams 18. Callum Donoghue – Proud 19. Ethan Evans 20. Tommy Morgan 21. Harvey Nash 22. Luke Price 23. Rhydian Greenhall

Notice to Members

Please be aware that the President’s Lounge will be restricted access to Match Sponsors and their Guests this Saturday, with the JPR Suite open for Vice President’s and Patron’s to use pre and post match, should they wish.