Bridgend Ravens close out the 2023/24 season with a trip to Indigo Premiership champions Llandovery on Thursday evening (7:30pm).

After the disappointment of an away day hammering at Newport Stadium a fortnight ago, Bridgend bounced back in emphatic style to beat Merthyr 76-35 at Dunraven Brewery Field last weekend.

It’s been another stunning season for the Drovers, who followed up last season’s Indigo Premiership title by winning this season’s WRU Premiership Cup at Principality Stadium and booking their place in the end of season playoffs

The sides have met twice this season, both at the Brewery Field with each side registering one victory each. Bridgend won a tight pre-season fixture by 26pts to 19, before Llandovery picked up a bonus point win at the same ground in November by 36pts to 13.

For Thursday’s match, Tom Smith is forced to make a number of changes to the side which won comprehensively last weekend. The back three remains unchanged, with Edd Howley, Corum Nott and Cameron Ellis, all on the scoresheet last Saturday selected again. Iwan Griffith comes into the starting lineup in midfield alongside Joseph Gatt. Luke Price and Connor Tantum remain in position at half back.

Phil Price and Liam Tobias are again selected as the starting props, with Evan Yardley taking the place of Gareth Harvey at hooker. Ben Thomas is partnered by Jack Pope in the second row with a back row of Alfie Llewellyn, Dafi Davies and Wales u18 international Kyle Harris.

There’s a slightly different look to Bridgend’s bench, with hooker Curtis Greenslade (on permit from Pontypridd) and front row replacements Chris Leyshon and Tom Richardson (both Kenfig Hill) selected. Jo Clarke (Tata Steele) also features on permit with back row Scott Davies in line for a debut from the bench.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Edd Howley 14. Corum Nott 13. Joseph Gatt 12. Iwan Griffith 11. Cameron Ellis 10. Luke Price 9. Connor Tantum

1. Phil Price 2. Evan Yardley 3. Liam Tobias 4. Ben Thomas 5. Jack Pope 6. Alfie Llewellyn 7. Dafi Davies 8. Kyle Harris

Replacements: 16. Curtis Greenslade 17. Chris Leyshon 18. Tom Richardson 19. Jo Clarke 20. Scott Davies 21. Callaghan Smith 22. Jamin Hodgkins 23. Stuart Floyd Ellis