Croesyceiliog V Newport Saracens
24 November 2005
Croesy face a tough challenge on Thursday with the visit to Woodland Road of league leaders Newport Saracens. Competition for places is getting intense particularly in the second row and back row with good numbers and players pushing each other in training. Inevitably there are people who will miss out and this time the unlucky ones are the likes of Ritchie Gibbins, Jim Sargent, Jake Nash and Steven Thomas. The selectors have gone for a big second row in Lee Williams and Mark Smith to try to match the powerful Sarries side and have selected the same back row unit of Chris Williams on the blind, Bobby Pike on the open and Paul Hicks at no.8 that did so well against Mountain Ash. Prop Justin Smith is now the only player to have started every game this season.
In the backs the combative Nathan Powell gets the nod over Ritchie Williams. The midfield is beginning to get a familiar look to it with Chris Landry (10), Matthew Entwistle (12) and David Davies (13) in harness again. Will Hamilton comes back in on the wing and Matthew Hiatt keeps the full back berth after an impressive game against Cwmbran.
The full side is: 1. Marc Watkins, 2. Anthony Axford, 3. Justin Smith, 4. Lee Williams, 5. Mark Smith, 6. Chris Williams, 7. Bobby Pike, 8. Paul Hicks, 9. Nathan Powell, 10. Chris Landry, 11. Rhodri Davies, 12. Matthew Entwistle (Capt), 13. David Davies, 14. Will Hamilton, 15. Matthew Hiatt.
Subs from: Gareth Cowans, Richard Gibbins, Jake Nash, Steven Thomas, Jim Sargent, Ritchie Gibbins, Gareth Roberts.
Players meet at club 5.30.