The Ravens won 41-20 in 2002-03 and followed that up last September with a 25-16 victory and so BBC2 W’s rugby show ‘Scrum V Live’ have picked the crunch clash for the first of two Wednesday fixtures on show live on television – next Wednesday, 3 November, Pontypridd take on Newport at Sardis Rd in a live television match. Cross Keys versus Neath will also feature on S4C on Saturday 30th October.
Llanelli, now coached by Scarlets, Wales and Lions legend Quinnell, are in third place in the Premier League with 24 points, three behind leaders Neath but a massive 16 tries short of the Welsh All Blacks.
‘The boys have been going particularly well, we’ve won eight out of ten games so far this season and we are looking forward to the challenge from Bridgend,’ said Quinnell, who is enjoying playing for the Scarlets region and getting stuck into his new coaching role at club level this season. ‘We’ve been getting some good crowds at Stradey with up to 3,000 turning out on a good day and there is plenty of quality rugby to watch at this level.
‘The most difficult thing for me has been getting involved in selection for the games and letting down those players who don’t get picked in particular, because we have a good bunch of lads here.
‘They are very much playing in the shop window and putting their hands up for selection at regional level week in week out, and it will be another combination of guts and flair on display tonight for all to see.’
Bridgend are in sixth place in a group of four clubs locked on 18 points.
Llanelli have already been beaten at home when Swansea lowered their colours with a nail biting 21-20 win but they have since won their last three games at Stradey Park.
Bridgend have not travelled well this season, with three defeats from their four away games. Their only away victory came in a 13-12 success at Pontypridd.
Gareth David is the Ravens’ leading league scorer with 62 points while wing Grant Epton has crossed for four touchdowns.
Outside half Ceiran Thomas heads the Scarlets scoring chart and he is looking for 11 points to become the fifth player to top 100 for the season. Viv Jenkins and Dan Gravell have both scored four tries to date.
Premier League Stats
A total of 3,554 points have been scored in the 81 games. There have been 405 tries, 277 conversions, 313 penalties and 12 drop goals.
Biggest points aggregate in match this season was 76, when Neath (54) beat Carmarthen Quins (22).
Most individual points in one match were scored by Luke Richards who amassed 25 points as Swansea defeated Caerphilly 40-33, although the Castletown men did outscore the All-Whites 5-4 on tries.
Only one side, Pontypridd, has failed to score a point in a match. They were beaten 23-0 at Sardis Road by Carmarthen Quins.
Currently Scheduled TV games
SCRUM V LIVE: LLANELLI v BRIDGEND
Wednesday October 27 2004 BBC 2W 7pm www.bbc.co.uk/scrumv
In the first of two live and exclusive mid-week games BBC 2W presents Welsh Premier Division action in Scrum V Live: Llanelli v Bridgend on Wednesday October 27 2004. Old rivals Llanelli take on Bridgend at Stradey Park (KO 7pm), and with both teams snapping at the heels of leaders Neath, Newport and Carmarthen Quins, there’s plenty to play for. Commentary is from Gareth Charles.
CROSS KEYS v NEATH
Saturday October 30 2004 S4C 5:30pm
SCRUM V LIVE: PONTYPRIDD v NEWPORT
Wednesday November 03 2004 BBC 2W 7pm
There’s a feast of rugby for the week leading up to bonfire night, and the promise of a few fireworks in store too. In the latest live and exclusive mid-week game on BBC 2W, Pontypridd take on Newport who are currently at the top of the Welsh Premiership table. Scrum V Live (Wednesday November 03 2004 BBC 2W) will be on hand to beam the action direct to fans’ living rooms.
SCRUM V LIVE: DRAGONS v OSPREYS
Friday November 05 2004 BBC Two Wales / 2W 7pm www.bbc.co.uk/scrumv
Scrum V Live is also gearing up for a sparkling Celtic League showdown, as Newport Gwent Dragons tackle Neath Swansea Ospreys (Friday November 05 BBC Two Wales / 2W). Both teams have enjoyed good seasons so far, with the Dragons winning every match and riding high at the top of the table, while the Ospreys have only admitted defeat once and are currently claiming the league table’s second place.
