21 Apr Team to face Swansea at the Brewery

Posted at 09:11h in 2022/23 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens round of the 2022/23 campaign with a home game against Swansea on Saturday afternoon (2:30pm).

It’s been a season of unquestionable progress for the Ravens in Tom Smith’s first campaign in charge. The second half of the season, in particular, has seen a much improved Bridgend Ravens, including a remarkable run of home form which has seen the club only lose once at the Dunraven Brewery Field since the turn of the year. Bridgend currently occupy 8th place in the Indigo Premiership and know that victory on Saturday against the All Whites assures them of that position come the end of the season.

Swansea still have their eyes on finishing much higher than their current tenth position and will have their tails up following last Saturday’s victory over Bridgend at St Helen’s. In a see-saw encounter, Matt Dodd’s late try saw Swansea come away with just their fourth league win of the season. They will also be boosted by their current form at the Dunraven Brewery Field – boasting two victories over the Ravens there last season.

With an intense period of match action, Bridgend’s options for selection are hampered with injuries but are still able to field a strong side to see out the season on Saturday afternoon. Edd Howley continues at full back in a back three alongside Mike Powell, who bagged two tries last weekend, and Stuart Floyd Ellis, with Luke Price and Chris Williams the half backs. Nathan Edwards is starts at 12 alongside Joseph Gatt in midfield.

Prop Rhodri Apsee is set to make his 100th club appearance, having made his Bridgend debut back in 2012 at loosehead. Evan Yardley and Liam Tobias join him in the front row. Jack Pope is Ben Thomas’ partner in the second row, with Aled Evans, Zac O’Driscoll and Reuben Tucker the back row.

There’s a new name amongst Bridgend’s replacements in the form of Ethan Evans, who could make his club debut on permit from Newbridge.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Stuart Floyd Ellis 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Nathan Edwards 11. Mike Powell 10. Luke Price 9. Chris Williams

1. Rhodri Apsee 2. Evan Yardley 3. Liam Tobias 4. Ben Thomas 5. Jack Pope 6. Aled Evans 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Reuben Tucker

Replacements: 16. Gareth Harvey 17. Harry Olding 18. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 19. Kieran Martin 20. Ethan Evans 21. Jakob Williams 22. Rhys Williams 23. Ryan Edwards

Although the on field action ends with the visit of Swansea on Saturday, Bridgend Ravens have their end of season Awards Evening to look forward to at the Heronston Hotel on Friday 12th May. Tickets are still available for £30pp, including a three course meal and entertainment in the form of Ioan Cunningham who is this year’s Guest Speaker. Please contact Aled Thomas by email [email protected] to secure your seats as soon as possible.