Newport Saracens V Croesyceiliog
7 January 2006
Croesy return from the Christmas and New Year Break with a difficult away trip to highflying Newport Saracens. But there should be plenty of confidence in the side after running second placed Llantwit Fardre very close in the last game despite having a depleted side.
The front row has a familiar look to it with Justin Smith returning after missing his first game of the season against Llantwit Fardre through illness. Larry (C) Williams steps up from back row to partner Richard Gibbins with Jim Sargent reverting to the bench. In the back row, Peter Douglas-Davies retains his place on the blind-side after an impressive 1st team debut, the ever-improving Bobby Pike comes back in on the open-side and No 8 Steven Thomas is perhaps fortunate, with the injury to Paul Hicks, to be given an early opportunity to convince the coaches of his commitment to the club after pulling out of the last game at short notice.
Nathan Powell, another absentee last time out comes back in at scrum-half. Elsewhere in the backs the only changes see Stuart Fitzgerald move from wing to centre in place of David (Divvy) Davies who reverts to the bench. Fitz's position on the wing is taken by Rhodri Davies, returning after exam and skiing commitments.
The full side is:
1. C Watkins; 2. A Axford; 3. J Smith; 4. R Gibbins; 5. C Williams; 6. P Douglas-Davies; 7. B Pike; 8. S Thomas; 9. N Powell; 10. C Landry; 11. M Hiatt; 12. M Entwistle (Capt); 13. S Fitzgerald; 14. R Davies; 15. G Roberts.
Replacements from: G Cowans; J Sargent; J Nash; D Davies; R Williams.
All players meet at club 12.15. Club t-shirts to be worn before match and No.1's after. There will be no club bus and players will travel by car. The delayed Christmas Draw will take place in the club after the game. Players with sold tickets are reminded to bring them to the game.
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