After two good results against Pontypool and RGC in the Indigo Premier League, The Black & Ambers now turn their attention to The Premier Cup where they face old rivals, Cardiff, in the first round. The Blue and Blacks lost at home to a rampant Ebbw Vale last Saturday so they will want to get their season back on track quickly – and will be determined to get the win. These two rivals face each other regularly in the cup but not in the first round!
The coaching team makes several changes to the fifteen chosen for RGC. Henry Palmer, Jon Verrier and Josh Reid come into the pack with Daf Buckland and Lloyd Lewis taking their places in the backs. It’s good to see Josh Skinner included in the replacements after his long absence through injury. Josh has worked hard in training to get back to match fitness.
Newport: Thomas Davies, Henry Palmer, Garin Harris, Jon Verrier, Barny Langton, Josh Reid, Kyle Tayler, Ben Roach {Capt.}, Dafydd Buckland, Jac Lloyd, Lloyd Lewis, Matt O’Brien, Joe Westwood, Oli Andrew, Carwyn Penny.
Replacements: Tom Workman, Wade Langley, Dan Suter, Josh Skinner, Rhys Jenkins, Che Hope, Jake Lloyd, Jon Morris.
Referee: Adam Jones
AR1: Elgan Williams
AR2: Neil Perkins
Venue: Cardiff Arms Park
Kick-off: 2:30