09 Nov Team to face Neath at the Lextan Gnoll

Posted at 09:02h in 2023/24 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens travel to Neath before the S4C Clic Cameras this Thursday evening for an Indigo Premiership clash (7:30pm). 

The Ravens are looking to end a tough run of results – the latest being a 13pts to 36 home defeat to Llandovery on Friday evening at the Dunraven Brewery Field. Bridgend had won two of their opening three league matches but are on a winless streak since victory at Carmarthen which has included defeats to Pontypridd, Cardiff, Ebbw Vale and the Drovers.

Newly promoted Neath are looking for their first win since returning to Wales’ Top Flight. They have improved as the season has gone on and despite being winless to date – despite seven defeats they only lost out by a point at home to Pontypridd and picked up a four try bonus point at the Arms Park against Cardiff.

Bridgend did the double over the Welsh All Blacks during the last season they met; the 2018/19 season in which Bridgend survived on the final day with victory at Sardis Road and Neath were relegated following a season of off the field turmoil. The Ravens won 10pts to 7 at the Gnoll before a comfortable 78pts to 5 victory at the Dunraven Brewery Field.

For Thursday’s match, Tom Smith makes a number of changes to the side which lost out to Llandovery. It’s an experienced back division, with Stuart Floyd Ellis moving to the wing and Joseph Gatt taking his place in midfield. Chris Williams is also promoted from the replacements bench to start.

Alex George is rewarded for his recent good form with his first start in Bridgend’s front row, alongside Gareth Harvey and Liam Tobias. Ben Thomas and Jack Pope are reunited in the second row, with Alfie Llewellyn, Iestyn Merriman and Jordan Collier making up a powerful back row.

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

1. Alex George 2. Gareth Harvey 3. Liam Tobias 4. Ben Thomas 5. Jack Pope 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Iestyn Merriman 8. Jordan Collier

Replacements: 16. Evan Yardley 17. Harry Olding 18. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 19. Dylan Burrows 20. Hemi Barnes 21. Zac O’Driscoll 22. Connor Tantum 23. Paul Short