LLANELLI v NEWPORT

Newport continued the winning run on a cold, wet, blustery evening at Newport Stadium against a well-organised Bridgend outfit who came to play. The conditions were very different to the fine, sunny afternoon at Rodney Parade a few days earlier when victory was achieved against a strong Merthyr team.  The Black & Ambers move into fourth place in The Premier Division and, if they hold that position, will earn a place in the league play-offs.

They can consolidate their position on Saturday when they travel to Llanelli to face a team having a poor season by any standards and certainly a poor season for the West Wales outfit. We can be sure that the team playing in the famous scarlet colours will be playing for pride and will be no push-over.  They cannot be underestimated.

With this being the sixth game in 21 days the coaching team again rotate the squad. Jon Morris played his first game since January against Bridgend and was straight into top form. He starts again on Saturday.  Matt Bancroft gets the ten spot with Matt O’Brien taking a place on the bench.

Newport: Thomas Davies, Henry Palmer, Nathan Evans, Jon Verrier, Craig Hudd, Josh Reid, Kyle Tayler, Rhys Jenkins, Luke Crane, Matt Bancroft, Lloyd Lewis, Jacob Lloyd, Chay Smith, Jon Morris, Geraint O’Driscoll.

Replacements:  Jack Gillard, Tom Workman, Dan Suter, Ben Roach, Lennon Greggains, Dafydd Buckland, Matt O’Brien, Iestyn Galton.

Referee: Adam Jones

AR1:  Steff Edwards

AR2:  Ellis Poulden

Kick-off 2:30