Neath open the New Year with a home game against Merthyr at The Lextan Gnoll (kick off 2.30pm) on Saturday.

Following their fine Boxing Day win over Aberavon, last Saturday Neath travelled to Carmarthen Quins only for the game to be called off ahead of kick off due to pitch and weather conditions which were visibly worsening by the minute.

There is little chance of pitch problems at the fast-draining Gnoll – and the forecast is better – for the visit of Merthyr who recently parted company with their coach Rowland Phillips.

The best crowd seen in the Premiership this season (4,106) attended the Boxing Day derby and, while that attendance will not be surpassed, many will have enjoyed themselves enough to return so another good crowd is expected.

Centre Ryan Evans leads Neath who make only one change from the side which started against Aberavon with Louis Rees returning on the wing.

Neath v Merthyr (Home)

15 Lewis Evans; 14 Louis Rees, 13 Ryan Evans (captain), 12 Kristian Jones, 11 Ryan Griffiths; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Elis Horgan; 1 Jack Powell, 2 Sion Crocker, 3 Tim Ryan; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Cai Arnold; 6 Jacob Blackmore, 8 Morgan Kneath, 7 Ben Williams

Replacements – 16 Chris Morris, 17 Mason Morgan, 18 Elis Hopkins, 19 Fergus Kneath, 20 Dyfan Ceredig, 21 Gruff Williams, 22 Sean Wilcox, 23 Llewellyn Hawkes

Supporter Information

Merthyr supporters in particular should note that ground entry is just £10 (Adults), Under-16’s FREE.

• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 1.30pm
• Programmes on sale inside the gates (only £2)
• Refreshments available inside the ground
• For the comfort of spectators, no dogs allowed (other than sight-assisting), and there is no smoking or vaping inside ground.
• Match Raffle and half-time collection in aid of “2Wish”

• There will be a curtain raiser before this Saturdays home game:

  Cwmgwrach u7s & 8s vs Bryncoch 7s & 8s, from 1.00pm

Forthcoming Fixtures

Saturday     Jan.   13     Pontypridd                                    Away          2.30pm

Saturday     Jan.   20     Cardiff                                          Home          2.30pm

Saturday     Jan.   27     Ebbw Vale                                     Away          2.30pm