TEAM NEWS & SUPPORTERS’ INFORMATION – NEATH v PONTYPOOL (HOME) – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27th,  2021

Neath RFC play their first home league game of the season on Saturday when they play Championship favourites Pontypool (kick off 2.30pm).

PLEASE NOTE 2.30pm AND PASS THE WORD ON AS BBC HAVE BEEN SHOWING ALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES AS KICKING OFF AT 3.00pm WHICH IS INCORRECT.

Pontypool disposed of Maesteg Quins with ease (42-3) in their opening game while Neath won 30-22 at Narberth. It is Neath’s biggest challenge of the season and the Blacks need to play it their way after eight successive victories in the lead-in.

After last week’s 70-6 win over 125th birthday boys Glais, it is another virtually all-change line-up for Neath who have Aaron Bramwell back from tour with the British Lions (legends version).

A large crowd is anticipated so spectators are encouraged to access the ground early (gates open 1.30pm).

Neath v Pontypool (Home)

15 Aaron Bramwell (captain); 14 Aaron Grabham, 13 Ryan Evans, 12 Ben Atkins, 11 James Roberts; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Nicky Griffiths; 1 Jack Powell, 2 Chris Morris, 3 Tim Ryan; 4 Sam Langford, 5 Jon Barley; 6 Alun Jones, 8 David Griggs, 7 Owain Morgan

Replacements :- 16 Morgan Thomas, 17 Gareth Lloyd, 18 Jacob Blackmore, 19 Macauley Griffiths, 20 Iestyn Morgan/David Langdon

Referee – Mr. Simon Mills (Burry Port)

NEATH RFC – DECEMBER FIXTURES

Sat.    December      4th   Trebanos                                   Away           K.O. 2.30pm

Sat.    December    11th   Ystrad Rhondda                        Home           K.O. 2.30pm

Sat.    December    18th   Bedwas                                     Away           K.O. 2.30pm

B.Day December    26th   Kenfig Hill (Boxing Day)            Home           K.O. 2.30pm

OTHER GAMES COMING UP AT THE GNOLL

Wed.  December 1st      Neath PT College v Newport                       K.O. 2.30pm

Fri.    December 3rd      Neath Schools Under-15’s v Bridgend           K.O. 6.00pm

Fri.    December 10th    Ospreys Youth Cup Final                              K.O. 7.15pm

SUPPORTERS’ INFORMATION

For supporters’ interest and comfort, please note :-

• Neath v Pontypool is an all-pay game (£8) except Under-16’s who come free.
• Supporters are advised to get to the ground early in order to avoid congestion at the turnstiles which are located at the town end of the ground.
• Kick-off 2.30pm – Gates open at 1.30pm – and it will speed progress if supporters bring the correct money.
• Full Match Programmes (£1) are available immediately inside the turnstiles – all the latest news , fixtures, articles etc.
• Full range of refreshments – hot and cold; solid and liquid – on sale too.
• The Gnoll is a strictly no-smoking and no-vaping stadium
• No dogs allowed EXCEPT those which assist the visually-impaired.
• Parking – surface and multi-storey car parks are available near the ground.
• All are welcome to use the Clubhouse (before and after) but spectators should note that no entry is allowed to the ground via the Clubhouse so please leave in good time to access the turnstiles in time for kick off.

*** N.B. – Neath RFC is adhering to best Coronavirus practice with the aim of safe enjoyment of the game for all. Should any issues or concerns arise, please address a steward for advice.