COUNTDOWN TO BOXING DAY – NO.5

The biggest Boxing Day rugby club game in Wales will be at The Lextan Gnoll where Neath entertain Bonymaen in the WRU Premiership (kick off 2.30pm).

The match has already attracted huge attention – the hospitality suites sold out within half an hour of going on sale and advance tickets have been selling fast on the Neath web-site.

It is NOT an all-ticket match but supporters are advised to buy early to ease congestion on the day when easily the biggest club crowd of the season is already guaranteed. The weather forecast is good but in any case there is more than enough covered accommodation at The Gnoll.

Neath and Bonymaen have always enjoyed a close relationship and the All Blacks are delighted to be hosting them on Boxing Day which is always a special rugby day for the Club and Town with thousands in attendance.

Last time out, Neath beat Cardiff Metropolitan 33-26 while Bonymaen put up a brave show before losing at Brecon. All Black coaches Tim Ryan and Ryan Evans have named a team which shows several starting changes.

Behind the scrum, Iestyn Morgan is at fullback with Ryan Griffiths on the wing and Matthew Jenkins at centre while scrum-half Ellis Lewis returns from Wales Under-20’s duty against Scotland. Up front, the front-row of Gareth Lloyd, Evan Kneath and Mason Morgan is back in harness while flanker Casey Williams resumes in the back-row. Nathan Orrells and Jacob Blackmore reinforce the replacements’ bench.

Tim Ryan said, “It was a very difficult selection as all the squad are keen to play on Boxing Day which will be a big occasion. But we have a full month of fixtures ahead of us so there will be opportunities ahead for everyone.

“Bonymaen will be a real challenge and, having played in last year’s win over Aberavon myself – as atmospheric an occasion as any including in my time at professional level – I am looking forward to seeing The Gnoll bouncing again with people from all the surrounding clubs coming down and enjoying themselves at Neath.

“It should be a grand day out for everyone but for the team we need to keep our focus – it is all about the rugby.”

Neath v Bonymaen (Home)

15  Iestyn Morgan; 14 Ki Morgan, 13 Matthew Jenkins, 12 Kieran Charles, 11 Ryan Griffiths; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Ellis Lewis; 1 Gareth Lloyd, 2 Evan Kneath, 3 Mason Morgan; 4 Cai Arnold, 5 Matthew Davies; 6 Casey Williams, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements – 16 Kian Jones, 17 Rhys Taylor, 18 Tarik Dabeh, 19 Jacob Blackmore, 20 Owain Morgan, 21 Morgan Kneath, 22 Rhodri Cole, 23 Nathan Orrells

Referee – Mr. Tom Spurrier (Barry)   AR3 – Mr. Stuart Vaudin (Mumbles)

Supporter Information

• Spectators are advised to arrive at the turnstiles no later than 2.15pm
• Under-16’s FREE Admission, Adults – £10 cash or card at turnstiles
• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 1.00pm. – there will be no access to the ground from the Clubhouse
• Programmes on sale inside the gates (only £2) – don’t miss your bumper copy !
• Refreshments available inside the ground – 2 x bars and Tuck Shop
• Bag searches will be conducted to prevent illegal bringing in alcohol
• For the comfort of spectators and health of the players, no dogs allowed (other than sight-assisting)
• No smoking or vaping inside ground.
• Main Stand – please keep the concourse clear at all times to allow others to enjoy the match.

Forthcoming Fixtures

Saturday     January 4    Merthyr                                Away          2.30pm

Saturday     January 11  Brecon                                 Home          2.30pm

Saturday     January 18  Newbridge                            Home          2.30pm

Saturday  January 25  Cross Keys                             Away          2.30pm

Saturday     February 1  Newcastle Emlyn                   Home          2.30pm