27 Oct Team to face Ebbw Vale away

Posted at 07:34h in 2023/24 Website News by

Next up for Bridgend Ravens is a trip to high flying Ebbw Vale on Saturday afternoon (2:30pm).

The Steelmen have five wins from their opening six games and are sitting at the top of the early Indigo Premiership standings. Jason Strange’s men have picked up some eye-catching results so far, including a home victory over reigning champions Llandovery and a success over Cardiff at the Arms Park. Last weekend, they picked up another bonus point win at the Gnoll by 35 pts to 17 to continue their impressive start to the season.

Bridgend will be looking to bounce back from back to back defeats, although Saturday’s close fought game with Cardiff was a much improved showing than their defeat at Sardis Road a week prior. Bridgend were able to salvage two losing bonus points from the defeat by crossing for four tries and finishing within seven points of last season’s Premiership Cup winners.

Last season’s tie between the two sides was a close fought affair, with a late Kieran Meek drop goal the deciding score as Ebbw Vale won 30pts to 27. Bridgend won the game at the Dunraven Brewery Field 29pts to 27 and Saturday’s game is certain to be another close fought affair.

There are only a few changes for Bridgend Ravens; Cameron Ellis coming onto the wing with Stuart Floyd Ellis moving into midfield the only change amongst the backs. In the forwards, Jack Pope is back in the only change in the Ravens pack. Jordan Collier, again selected at No8, will make his fiftieth Bridgend Ravens appearance.

Amongst Bridgend’s replacements, there are returns for Hemi Barnes and Paul Short, both back following long spells out with injury in a welcome boost to Tom Smith’s squad.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Cameron Ellis 13. Stuart Floyd Ellis 12. Tommy Morgan 11. Mike Powell 10. Luke Price 9. Chris Williams

1. Harry Olding 2. Evan Yardley 3. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 4. Ben Thomas 5. Jack Pope 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Zac O’Driscoll (capt) 8. Jordan Collier

Replacements: 16. Gareth Harvey 17. Alex George 18. Curtis Hicks 19. Hemi Barnes 20. Iestyn Merriman 21. Callaghan Smith 22. Paul Short 23. Joseph Gatt