Abergavenny 2nd Dec 2006
Weather permitting Croesy will finally get back to league action on Saturday with a home game against fellow strugglers Abergavenny. Aber were promoted to Division Two East this season and it is several seasons since the clubs last met in the league. But those with longer memories will recall some right old battles over the years. Saturday's game will no doubt be another tight affair as both sides are desperate to get out of the relegation zone. Croesy are yet to win this season and Abergavenny have just one win to their name although both teams ran league leaders Llantrisant close in their last league outings indicating that we may both be coming into some form.
Training has gone well for Croesy this week with good numbers and the players looking raring to go. The only problem area is the second row where we are without Mark Smith (injured thigh), Richard Gibbins and Tom Price (both unavailable). However, it shows the club's strength in depth in this position that we still have players of the quality of Jim Sergeant and the versatile Ryan Thomas who can slot in. In the front rwo fit again Jamie Edwards returns at hooker to add some extra scrummaging power with Abergavenny expected to be strong up front.
In the backs fullback David Davies returns to the side after a stomach injury. It was good to see wing Matthew Hiatt back in training last night for the first time since picking up a shoulder injury in the pre-season friendly against Garndiffaith. He was not considered ready for selection but is only a couple of sessions away and his presence will certainly add strength to the back line where we have also signed newcomer Rhys Prendergast and hope to add the signature of the son of former club player/coach Adrian Parry next week.
The full team for Saturday is:
1. Marc Watkins; 2. Jamie Edwards; 3. Justin Smith; 4. Jim Sergeant; 5. Ryan Thomas; 6. Chris Williams; 7. Paul Hicks; 8. Gavin Howells; 9. Ritchie Williams; 10. Gavin Howells; 11. Stuart Fitzgerald; 12. Matthew Entwistle (Capt); 13. Scott Copsey; 14. John Misljen; 15. David Davies.
Subs: 16. Simon Jones; 17. Jake Nash; 18. Paul Fisher; 19. Ieuan Wakefield.
All players meet at the club at 12.30 prompt.