19 Jan TEAM TO FACE PONTYPRIDD AT THE BREWERY

Posted at 11:51h in 2023/24 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens welcome Pontypridd to the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon for an Indigo Premiership match (2:30pm). 

The game is set to be an emotional occasion as the club remembers JPR Williams, following his recent passing. Gates open at 1pm and Bridgend Ravens have a number of tributes to JPR planned with a large crowd expected.

Pontypridd come into the game in impressive form, enjoying a much improved season than last year. Last weekend, they enjoyed a comfortable victory over Neath at Sardis Road by 48pts to 10. They have 7 wins, 1 draw and 7 defeats from their 15 matches to date and sit in sixth place, eight points ahead of Tom Smith’s Ravens.

Bridgend are looking to shake off a poor recent run of results which has culminated in six successive defeats in all competitions. The latest reverse was a 50pts to 32 loss at the Wern against Methyr last weekend, although Bridgend never gave up and were good value for a four try losing bonus point secured with the last play of the game thanks to Joseph Gatt’s try.

Games between the sides are often close fought and entertaining matchups. The reverse game went the Valley Commandos way earlier this season by 29pts to 13. However, Bridgend Ravens won the corresponding fixture last season at the Dunraven Brewery Field by 18pts to 8.

Tom Smith and his coaches make a small number of changes to his side for this Saturday’s match. Rhys Williams is named at inside centre in what is set to be his final game before retirement. Elsewhere in the backs, there’s a first start for Jamin Hodgkins at 10 following an impressive cameo last weekend. Mike Powell and Joseph Gatt also come into the back division.

In the pack, the side is led once again by Evan Yardley. Alex George, Dafi Davies, Dylan Burrows and Jordan Collier the changes from last weekend’s selection.

There’s a welcome return from injury for outside half Paul Short who is named on Bridgend’s replacements bench.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 25. Edd Howley 14. Mike Powell 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Rhys Williams 11. Stuart Floyd Ellis 10. Jamin Hodgkins 9. Chris Williams

1. Alex George 2. Evan Yardley (capt) 3. Matholwch Iorwerth Scott 4. Dylan Burrows 5. Jack Pope 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Dafi Davies 8. Jordan Collier

Replacements: 16. Gareth Harvey 17. Harry Olding 18. Liam Tobias 19. Ben Thomas 20. Hemi Barnes 21. Connor Tantum 22. Paul Short 23. Tommy Morgan