Following a promising opening day victory over Llanelli at the Riverside Hardware Brewery Field and defeat to Cross Keys, the Ravens make the long trip west keen to right the wrongs of last weekend.
Llandovery have stormed to victory in their opening games, firstly beating Cardiff at the Arms Park, before beating Neath at the Gnoll 37-17 last weekend. They sit proudly at the top of the division following the opening rounds, with a maximum 10 points. They have scored an impressive 10 tries and 85 points over the two matches.
Bridgend Ravens failed to beat any of the Scarlets regional sides in the Principality Premiership last season. Llandovery completed an impressive league double over Bridgend last season. The Drovers won 23-12 at Church Bank, before winning 3-17 at the Riverside Hardware Brewery Field.
Ravens Head coach Ben Rose understands the challenge facing his side. “They are a good side and seem to be in good form, they have dangerous players and a good work ethic that we will need to match.
“We are a fit strong side and I believe that if we show more composure in the right areas of the field and at crucial times in the game then we will definitely give them a few things to think about.”
Rose has made a few changes to the side from last weekend, with Ashley Evans and Sam Campbell coming into the backline for their first Premiership starts. Youngster Andrew Waite, Scott Hicks, Alex Jones, Dan Sutter, Ken Dowding and Matt Dwyer bolster the pack.
Jonathon Vaughan is keen for his side to ‘right the wrongs of last weekend’ and will be hoping that his side can prove their worth at Church Bank. He is under no illusions that the Drovers will be an easy test though.
“Llandovery have literally hit the ground, they’ve had two big wins – especially at the Gnoll last weekend,” he said. “They go into this game as favourites but we are hurting after last weekend so we will be going out looking for the win. Like Llanelli last year, they did the double over us so we really want this scalp!”
“We have a hectic week of rugby coming up, but Llandovery are the next challenge and our minds are firmly set on this game.”
Bridgend Ravens: Ashley Evans, Rhys Williams, Nathan Edwards, Sam Campbell, Glenn Lewis, Ben Thomas, Kyle Barrett; Ken Dowding, Matt Dwyer, Dan Sutter, Lloyd Peers, Alex Jones, Andrew Waite, Jon Vaughan (c), Scott Hicks.
Replacements: J.Thomas, A.James, L.Davies, A.Ellis, L.Morgan, J.Murphy & C.Williams
Llandovery: 15 Rhys Jones 14 Chris Knight 13 Adam Warren 12 Jack Roberts 11 Lee Rees 10 Cerith Rees 9 Rhodri Williams; 1 Owen Evans 2 Luke Lewis 3 Andrew Jones 4 Shaun Jones 5 Bryn Griffiths 6 Richard Brooks 7 Shaun Miles 8 Luke Kendall
Replacements: Dean Howells, Wyn Jones, Llewellyn Jones, Phil Day, Thomas Ball, Dylan Morgans, James Garland, Aaron Warren
