23 Dec TEAM TO FACE ABERAVON AT THE BREWERY

Posted at 20:40h in 2022/23 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens finally return to action on Boxing Day when Aberavon visit the Dunraven Brewery Field (2:30pm)

The Ravens haven’t featured since November 18th when they lost out to a second half comeback from Llandovery, losing 28pts to 13 at Church Bank. It was Bridgend’s sixth defeat of the league season which currently sees them at the bottom of the Indigo Premiership, although they do have three games in hand on some sides in the league. 

The Ravens have seen their last two games called off – at home to Swansea and Llanelli due to frozen pitches. Monday’s festive date with the Wizards presents Smith’s men the chance to get their stuttering season up and running.

Aberavon are right in the thick of the battle for the end of season playoffs in the Indigo Premiership, and got their bid for silverware back on track with an impressive home success over Cardiff last time out. Jason Hyatt’s men had lost their previous four games, including a home defeat to Pontypridd which saw them exit the Indigo Premiership Cup at the group stage. 

This is the third meeting between the sides already this season – both previous games have seen Aberavon comfortable victors. The opening day saw them win 45pts to 14 at the Talbot Athletic Ground before a 14pts to 49 success at the Dunraven Brewery Field in October. 

Bridgend have used the layoff to clear an extensive injury list. Wing Ryan Edwards makes his first competitive start for the club having sustained an injury in the pre-season victory at the Wern against Merthyr. There’s also a welcome return for tighthead prop Curtis Hicks, back in the Ravens fold following the successful rehabilitation of his knee injury picked up against Aberavon in late 2021. Curtis starts amongst Bridgend’s replacements.

Bridgend XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Ryan Edwards 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Rhys Williams 11. Mike Powell 10. Luke Price 9. Chris Williams

1. Rhodri Apsee 2. Gareth Harvey 3. Liam Tobias 4. Ben Thomas 5. Jack Pope 6. Jordan Collier 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Reuben Tucker

Replacements: 16. Lee Murphy 17. Harry Olding 18. Curtis Hicks 19. Aled Evans 20. Iestyn Merriman 21. Dylan Davies 22. Paul Short 23. Nathan Edwards
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Aberavon XV: 15. Stef.Andrews 14. Frankie Jones 13. Joe Thomas 12. Joe Gage 11. Jay Baker 10. Aled Thomas 9. Rhodri Cole 

1. Rowan Jenkins 2. Ieuan Davies 3. Geraint James 4. Shay Smallman 5. Rhodri Hughes 6. Ashton Evans 7. Lloyd Evans 8. Andrew Waite 

Replacements: 16. Iwan Temblett 17. Chris Banfield 18. Brad Roderick 19. Luke Davies 20. Rhys Fawcett 21. Joe Tomalin Reeves 22. Sam Pailor 23. Chris Davies