Bedwas travel up the A470 in a buoyant mood despite last weeks defeat to Pontypridd, this time current champions Merthyr provide their opponents at The Wern Sports Complex. kick off being 2-30pm.

 Head coach Stefan Sankala makes a few changes to his starting line-up.

Last weeks front five are unchanged with two changes in the back row. Dragons’ James Sheekey starts at Number 8 with Nathan Hudd moving up to open side flanker to partner James Thomas.

Tom Rowlands and Luke Crane swap bench and starting roles with Joseph Scrivens continuing at fly half. We are pleased to welcome back Dragons winger George Gasson the left wing with Dai Evans keeping his place on the right wing.

There is a new look partnership at centre with Lewis Bowden and Dion McIntosh (son of Merthyr Head Coach Dale) coming in for their first team debuts. Mike Hathaway holds on to the full back shirt.

On the bench Tom Devine looks set for his first appearance of the season and there is a potential debut for Jacob Chilcott as replacement outside half.

The full selection is: 15. Mike Hathaway, 14. Dai Evans, 13. Lewis Bowden,12. Dion McIntosh, 11. George Gasson, 10. Joseph Scrivens, 9. Tom Rowlands; 1. Brynley Toms, 2. Alun Rees ©, 3. Rhys Hutcherson, 4. James Richards, 5. Craig Hudd, 6. James Thomas, 7. Nathan Hudd, 8. James Sheekey.

 Replacements:

16. Tom Devine, 17. Dale Rogers, 18. Chris Budgen, 19. Gareth Allen, 20. Jonny Armitage, 21.Luke Crane, 22.Jacob Chilcott, 23. Jordan Rees.

For those not travelling to Merthyr and wishing to see some rugby the Youth team host Newbridge II Youth team, kick off 2-00pm.