The international break and the resumption of the British and Irish Cup has left the Ravens without a game since they hosted Ebbw Vale on a cold early November afternoon. The trip to Neath forms the start of a hectic festive period, with a visit to Llanelli before a home game with Cross Keys and a back to back double header with Cardiff.
Neath got back into the swing of Premiership participation with a defeat at Cardiff last Saturday. The capital side raced out of the blocks, earning a four try bonus point after just 20 minutes, but Neath fought back to take a bonus point of their own in a 26-34 humbling at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
Last season, it was Neath who took the spoils in an 18-11 victory. Bridgend had been on a fine run of victories at the Gnoll until then, but Neath battled to a hard fought victory, their first of last season following nine straight defeats.
Bridgend: Ross Jones, Thomas O’Flaherty, Steve Winn, Adam Williams, Mike Powell, James Dixon, Tom Habberfield; Gary Carpenter, Ashleigh James (c), Cai Lewis, Rory Thornton, Rhodri Hughes, Olly Cracknell, Adam O’Driscoll, Andrew Waite.
Subs: Greg George, Mitchell Auger, Jon Thomas, Ben Jones, Dai Barry, Chris Williams, Chris Lewis & Ryan Evans.