Neath RFC welcome Cup-holders Pontypridd to The Gnoll in the first round of the Welsh Cup on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm).

There was an air of inevitability about the draw when it paired these two great traditional cup-winners together in the first round.

Pontypridd come to The Gnoll as proud leaders of the WRU Premiership too after winning all three games to date against Brecon (34-17), Narberth (35-12) and Llangennech (27-19).

Last season, Pontypridd won both fixtures against Neath, triumphing 24-19 at The Gnoll then edging a midweek thriller at Sardis Road 34-33 in April.

After suffering a final kick 19-22 defeat against champions Merthyr, Neath have been in free-scoring form against Ystrad Rhondda (69-19) and at Brecon in the rain (47-12) so a keen tussle is in prospect.

There are only two personnel changes in the Neath starting line-up with regulars Kieran Charles and Gethin Tremlett returning.

* Spectators are advised to attend early as Neath and Pontypridd are the two best-supported clubs in Wales and a good crowd is expected with more crowd-cover at The Gnoll – turnstiles open at 1.30pm.

Neath v Pontypridd (Home)

15 Iestyn Morgan; 14  Jon Bayliss, 13 Sean Wilcox, 12 Kieran Charles, 11 Sam Harris; 10 Paul Short, 9 Connor Tantum; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Sion Jones, 3 Marley Lovell; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Jacob Blackmore; 6 Casey Williams, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements  – 16  Kian Jones, 17 Owain Watts, 18 Tarik Dabeh, 19 Josh Hughes, 20 Jonny Evans, 21 Kaden Davies, 22 Ki Morgan, 23 Llewellyn Hawkes

Referee – Mr. Cai Lewis (Ystradgynais)  AR3 – Mr. Peter Mortimer (Mountain Ash)

Supporter Information

• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 1.30pm and spectators are advised to arrive no later than 2.15pm for kick off at 2.30pm
• WRU Cup games are all pay
• Adults – £10 cash or card at turnstiles
• Under-16’s FREE Admission when accompanied by an adult
• Programmes on sale inside the gates (only £2) – don’t miss your copy
• Refreshments available inside the ground – Shack Bar and Tuck Shop

Stadium Information

• Bag searches may 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 for safety and to allow others to enjoy the match.
• Please refer any problems to the stewards and obey their instructions at all times

Car Parking

• Multi-storey car park 50 metres diagonally across road from The Gnoll
• Small surface car park opposite The Gnoll.

October Fixtures

Sat    October      4      Llangennech          Away         2.30pm

Sat    October     11      Beddau                 Home         2.30pm

Sat    October     18      Bargoed                Away         2.30pm

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