By Zippy
March 2 2005

Bridgend Ravens take on Pontypridd RFC at the Brewery Field tonight, the 2 former clubs which formed the Warriors have had tough seasons but showing signs of improvement as late.

Bridgend Ravens vs Pontypridd RFC

Wednesday 2^nd March KO 715pm

Brewery Field Bridgend

Ponty News

By www.PontypriddRFC.co.uk - Rygbi Pontypridd - Official Website / Y Wefan Swyddogol - The Valleys' Premier Rugby Team.

Pontypridd resume their Welsh Premiership campaign with an away fixture against Bridgend on Wednesday evening 2^nd March, the game at the Brewery Field kicking off at 7.15pm. Hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat at Newport in their last run out, Ponty will face a resurgent Bridgend outfit who have risen to fifth spot in the league table following a fine recent run of results.

In travelling to take on their former regional partners from Celtic Warrior days, with the aim of avenging a narrow 12 pts to 13 home defeat against Bridgend back in October, Pontypridd can take heart from possessing a near injury free squad. Prop Ryan Harford and utility back Morgan Stoddart have both overcome recent shoulder and facial injuries respectively, and long term absentee Lloyd Warner makes a welcome return to the frame, having recently turned out on permit for Tondu to gain match fitness, having been sidelined since Christmas following a hit and run road accident.

The only recent casualty for Ponty is centre Tom Riley who received a head injury on duty for the Wales under 21 team out in France last weekend. In a positional reshuffle, Morgan Stoddart steps up to take Riley's outside centre berth, with Jason Pocock slotting in at full back. Winger Chris Clayton returns to club duties from the Wales under 19 squad, and with Gareth Jones, having enjoyed a fine run of form over the past month, reclaiming the scrum half shirt. Amongst the forwards, lock Chris Martenko is called back to the Ponty starting line up, with flanker Danny Hodges drafted in on permit from Beddau to take a place on the bench.

The Pontypridd team selected to face Bridgend on Wednesday evening is as follows:

15.Jason Pocock. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Morgan Stoddart. 12.Dafydd Lockyear. 11.Richard Fussell. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Gareth Jones.

1.Gerald Cox. 2.Ben Phillips. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Dale McIntosh – cpt. 5.Chris Martenko. 6.Wayne O’Connor. 7.Rhys Shellard. 8.Dan Godfrey.

Subs: Stuart Williams; Duane Goodfield / Geraint Liddon; Grant Harrington; Danny Hodges; Carl Thomas; Lloyd Warner; Darren Berry.

Bridgend News

Bridgend go into the game unbeaten since November and riding high and look to continue their rise up the league against Pontypridd.

Phil Booth has been in awesome form and it would be surprising if he does not feature in a regional squad next season it would be a huge surprise.

Top scorer Gareth David is a contender for player of the season and looks to continue his good form.

Veterans Mike Powell and Nathan Strong have been an inspiration to all around them and will look to dominate the yound Ponty pack.

RAVENS TEAM (Predicted)

15. Anthony Carter
14. Dan Hitchins
13. Ryan Howells
12. Richard Dyke
11. Grant Epton
10. Gareth David
9. Nicky Griffiths

1. Phil Booth
2. Adrian Phillips
3. Scott Roberts
4. Nathan Strong
5. Mike Powell (c)
6. Marvin Thomas
7. Chris Davies
8. Dean Fitzgerald