26 Jan TEAM TO FACE CARDIFF AT THE ARMS PARK

Posted at 08:53h in 2023/24 Website News by

Bridgend Ravens travel to Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday to face Cardiff in an Indigo Premiership match (2:30pm).

The Ravens picked up a much needed victory last time, edging Pontypridd by 15pts to 13 at the Dunraven Brewery Field in an emotional afternoon where numerous tributes were paid following the passing of JPR Williams. The victory was Bridgend’s first in seven matches in all competitions and Tom Smith will be hoping that the success proves to be a catalyst as the Ravens look to recover some winning form in the final part of the campaign.

The Blue and Blacks have picked up of late and come into the game having won their previous two fixtures. Last weekend, they beat Neath 35pts to 17 at the Gnoll; a victory which followed a hugely impressive victory against Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park by 23pts to 9.

The sides have already met once this season and it was Cardiff that edged a thriller at the Dunraven Brewery Field by 37pts to 32. Cardiff appeared to have the game sewn up as half time approached, but Bridgend battled back to pick up two bonus points in a narrow defeat. Bridgend are without a win against the capital side in all competitions since April 2017.

For Saturday’s game, Tom Smith makes a number of changes to his starting lineup. In the backline, Mike Powell is set to make his 150th appearance for the club. Tommy Morgan comes into the midfield, replacing Rhys Williams who signed off his playing career with a victory last weekend. Jamin Hodgkins continues at 10 with Callaghan Smith at 9.

There’s an unchanged from five and some welcome news for Bridgend Ravens fans, with Zac O’Driscoll returning to lead the side at openside flanker. There’s a new name on the replacements bench, Porthcawl’s Gabe Lacey is set to make his debut for the club should he take to the field. The hard-hitting centre has enjoyed previous stints with Bristol Bears Academy, Aberavon and has been capped at Wales Age Grade Level.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Mike Powell 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Tommy Morgan 11. Caine Woolerton 10. Jamin Hodgkins 9. Callaghan Smith

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

Replacements 16. Gareth Harvey 17. Harry Olding 18. Liam Tobias 19. Hemi Barnes 20. Dafi Davies 21. Chris Williams 22. Paul Short 23. Gabe Lacey