Having had their SSE SWALEC Cup match washed out at Beddau last weekend, the Ravens will be itching to get back to competitive action against a side they beat four times in the calendar year of 2015.
The Ravens last two wins have come against Pontypridd – suffering a rotten set of results since downing the Sardis Road side twice in three weeks. With important league games on the horizon, the Foster’s Cup games against Ponty and Cardiff may provide a platform for Bridgend to regain some form before they take on Aberavon next up in the Principality Premiership.
Having had a tough November period, Pontypridd have responded emphatically. Defeat to Bedwas followed Pontypridd’s most recent reverse against Bridgend, but the Valley’s side have been unbeaten since.
Only a 0-0 Foster’s Cup draw at Aberavon has spoiled their 100% record. Bridgend know that a tough encounter is in store as Pontypridd look to progress to the semi-finals of the inaugural Foster’s Challenge Cup.
Pontypridd have drafted in a number of youngsters, including hooker Corrie Tarrant and lock Josh Novell from the Blues Academy. Prop Jordan Grass is from the University of South Wales and outside half Troy Cusack from Llantwit Fardre.
Ravens head coach Mike Hook has named a strong squad for the fixture:
Bridgend Ravens: Paul Edwards; Ryan Griffiths, Joseph Gatt, Ryan Evans, Mike Powell; Joseph Scrivens, Geraint Watkin; Lewis Francis,Dale Rogers, Daniel Matthews, Jon Kenny, Gavin Bilton, Ashton Evans, Zach O’Driscoll (captain), Matthew John
Replacements: Iestyn Merriman, Steve John, Teifion Jones, Scott Davies, Sam Treharne, Will Baird, Morgan Jones, Marc Bennett.
Pontypridd: Gary Williams; Chris Clayton, Bradley Coombes, Dafydd Lockyer (captain), Dale Stuckey; Ceri Sweeney, Joel Raikes; Mitchell Auger, Huw Dowden, Keiron Assiratti, Jordan Sieniawski, Shaun O’Rourke, Dafi Davies, Rob Jones, Dan Godfrey
Replacements: Lloyd Williams, Troy Cusack, Geraint Walsh, Corrie Tarrant, Jake Thomas, Josh Novell, Jordan Grass.
The midweek matches were all postponed and Cross Keys have now been waiting a month to play a game having seen their home tie against Bedwas once again postponed.
Keys were drawn to play either Beddau or current holders Bridgend Ravens in the second round of the SSE Swalec Cup. Last weekend’s first round match was postponed and the two teams will now meet on Tuesday, 26 January in the rearranged game.
Keys, who had a bye in the first round, will travel to either Mount Pleasant Park or the Brewery Field in the second round on the weekend of 6 February. On the Foster’s Challenge Cup fixture front, Keys’ home game against Newport, originally due to be played in the middle of December, has been rearranged for Tuesday, 26 January (7.15pm).
New dates for the postponed Principality Premiership fixtures at home to Newport and Bedwas, that were postpone,ed on Boxing Day and 2 January respectively have yet to be arranged. Also yet to be rearranged are dates for the Foster’s Challenge Cup fixtures against Newport, at Rodney Parade, and Bedwas, at Pandy Park.
The Foster’s Challenge Cup fixture at Ebbw Vale, scheduled at Eugene Cross Park on Wednesday, 20 January, has been moved to the Centre of Sporting Excellence at Ystrad Mynach (8.00pm)
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