Bedwas welcome Cross Keys on Saturday for a keenly anticipated local derby. With the weather forecasters predicting a dry, sunny afternoon it is hoped both sides will serve up a display of running rugby.
Our neighbours currently occupy 6th place in the league table with ten wins from eighteen games and fifty-five points. They have lost their last three league games but handed out a big defeat to Bedwas when we played at Pandy Park in November.
Bedwas make a few changes to the side that was victorious last week in Ystalyfera. Mike Dacey returns at hooker with Dale Rogers moving back to Number 8. Ben Drew starts at loose-head prop in place of Ryan Thomas. Lewis Crane moves to openside flanker.
James Dixon returns at fly-half with Lloyd Wilkins moving back to full back with Sam George remaining at inside centre on permit from Talywain. Jacob Wright and Callaghan Smith swap from bench to starting berths
On the bench there’s a return on permit from Machen for Ieaun John. Jonathan Armitage keeps his place and we await confirmation as to who will occupy the Number 17 jersey.
The full selection is:
15. Lloyd Wilkins, 14. Corey Howells, 13. Aaron Billingham, 12. Sam George, 11. Liam Jenkins, 10. James Dixon, 9. Jacob Wright; 1. Ben Drew, 2. Mike Dacey, 3. Rhys Hutcherson, 4. Matthew Bovington, 5. Harry Oliver, 6. Will Fishlock, 7. Lewis Crane, 8. Dale Rogers (C).
Replacements: 16. Ieaun John, 17 TBC, 18. Jonathan Armitage, 19. Callaghan Smith, 20. Jack Guy.