02 Sep Team to face Aberavon (a)

Bridgend Ravens get their Indigo Premiership campaign underway with a trip to the Talbot Athletic Ground to face Aberavon on Saturday (2:30pm).

Both sides posted unbeaten records in their pre-season campaign – Bridgend beat Merthyr by 26pts to 24 and Maesteg Quins by 38pts to 3, with Aberavon beating Cardiff University 43pts to 10, Nottingham 31pts to 21 and Trebanos 58pts to 0.

It was another good season for the Wizards, who finished last season as runners up in the Indigo Premiership Cup, losing to Newport in the final and ranked 3rd in the final Indigo Premiership standings. They have strengthened their squad once again during the summer, adding outside half Rhys Jones (Ebbw Vale), centre Bradley Roderick (Pontypridd) and No8 Dan Baker (Dragons RFC) to name but a few.

The last time the sides met was a memorable occasion at the Brewery – with the Ravens coming away 17pts to 13 victors. Two tries from Supporters’ Man of the Match, Morgan Strong, saw Bridgend pick up their first victory over Aberavon since 2018. The Talbot Athletic Ground hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Bridgend though, with their last success there in May 2017 by 17pts to 14.

There are a couple of changes from the side which beat Maesteg Quins last time out. Edd Howley continues at fullback, and as captain in the absence of regular skipper Zac O’Driscoll. He’s joined by Caine Woolerton, making his first start since returning to the club, and Tyler Williams, who bagged two tries last weekend, in the back three. It’s a first Ravens start for Iwan Griffith in midfield, where he partners Joseph Gatt who is making his 100th appearance for the club. Luke Price and Dylan Davies, impressive throughout pre-season, are the half backs.

The front row comprises Rhodri Apsee, Gareth Harvey and Liam Tobias who makes his competitive debut for the club. Jack Pope and Bowen Davies continue their fledgling partnership in the second row. Dafi Davies, Iestyn Merriman and the returning Jordan Collier are selected in the back row.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley (capt) 14. Caine Woolerton 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Iwan Griffith 11. Tyler Williams 10. Luke Price 9. Dylan Davies

1. Rhodri Apsee 2. Gareth Harvey 3. Liam Tobias 4. Jack Pope 5. Bowen Davies 6. Dafi Davies 7. Iestyn Merriman 8. Jordan Collier

Replacements: 16. Evan Yardley 17. Harry Olding 18. Akeem Eubank Anderson 19. Hemi Barnes 20. Aled Evans 21. Chris Williams 22. Paul Short 23. Mike Powell