Bridgend can’t fall under spell of Wizards

ABERAVON are unlikely to give struggling Bridgend an easy ride when they visit the Ravens in the Principality Premiership today.

Towards the bottom of the table in 14th place, Bridgend will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s heavy defeat in Llanelli.

But their job doesn’t get any easier as the fourth-placed Wizards arrive at the Brewery Field.

And head coach Matt Silva admits Bridgend have to get back to winning ways over the next few weeks if they are to avoid getting sucked into a relegation battle.

“We are not hiding away from the fact that if we don’t start winning we will be in a relegation battle,” said Silva.

“We need to start winning and we need to start winning fast. Aberavon have found a bit of consistency and have been going well.

“They’ve beaten some of the big teams which is making our task a lot more difficult.

“But we are looking forward to it.

“This game can’t come quick enough after a couple of poor performances.”

Elsewhere second place Pontypridd will also be looking to stay in touch with Merthyr as they host strugglers Bargoed.

Llandovery will be hoping to move into the top half of the table with a win against Newport while Swansea host Bedwas and RGC1404 welcome Cross Keys.

Cardiff head coach Steve Law has told his side they must beat Ebbw Vale if they are to stay in touch with Merthyr.

The Steelmen sit only two positions behind Cardiff in fifth with the Blue & Blacks desperate to put daylight between the two teams.

But Law has warned his side they are in for a tough afternoon at Eugene Cross Park.

“If we want to compete against sides like Merthyr for the Premiership then we have to go to places like Ebbw Vale and win,” said Law.

“You always get a physical challenge against Ebbw Vale. They have a very good set-piece with players like Ashley Sweet running the line-out.

“But they’ve also added to their backs and I think they now have a complete game.

“They have a very high standard of backs with guys like Rhys Jones and Jacob Botica.

“It would be a massive result for us if we could get a win. Not many sides will be able to go to Ebbw Vale and do that.

“We don’t want Merthyr to run away with the league.

“We are playing them next weekend and a win against Ebbw Vale would give us a massive confidence boost.”