WRU Championship leaders Neath host Maesteg Harlequins at The Gnoll on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm) for what is normally a closely-fought encounter.

Maesteg Harlequins currently lie in 10th position.They have beaten Glamorgan Wanderers (32-12), Bedwas (9-3) and Beddau (21-17) but have suffered some heavy defeats at Pontypool (3-50), Bargoed (8-48 and Narberth (3-31) and lost last week at Cardiff Metropolitan (17-20). They also lost in the Cup to Bedwas (15-25).

All Black supporters will note too that the Harlequins drew 13-13 at Ystrad Rhondda – a difficult enough venue as Neath were reminded last week.

Neath came away with the spoils 29-22 at Gelligaled Park and make four starting personnel changes with Aled Brew returning on the wing for Jon Bayliss who switches to full back in place of the concussed Lewis Evans and Macauley Griffiths taking over from namesake Nicky at scrum-half.

Up front, Josh Clark replaces Sion Crocker at hooker with Elis Hopkins and Morgan Kneath resuming to the back row.

Coach Patrick Horgan explained, “We got a good result last week with a below-par performance. We need to inject more urgency into our game and we know we will need to be better this week against the Quins.”

With the weather favourable – cold but dry – conditions will be good and supporters are urged to get there early. Gates will open at 1.45pm.

Neath v Maesteg Harlequins (Home)

15 Jon Bayliss; 14 Ryan Griffiths, 13 Ryan Evans (captain), 12 Ben Atkins, 11 Aled Brew; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Macauley Griffiths; 1 Jack Powell, 2 Josh Clark, 3 Tim Ryan; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Jon Barley; 6 Jacob Blackmore, 8 Elis Hopkins 7 Morgan Kneath

Replacements – 16 Sion Crocker, 17 Gareth Lloyd, 18 David Griggs, 19 Nicky Griffiths, 20 Rhys Harris

Referee – Mr. Simon Mills (New Dock Stars)

Forthcoming Fixtures :-

Sat.    Dec.   17     Glamorgan Wanderers              Home           2.30pm

Boxing Day   26     Briton Ferry                              Home           2.30pm

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