There will be new opposition on show at The Lextan Gnoll on Saturday when Bridgend Athletic pay their first visit (kick off 2.30pm).

Not having played since the 12-24 defeat at Pontypool on November 18, Neath are keen to get back into action and, faced with another blank weekend, the Blacks are pleased to host Division One South West side Bridgend Athletic.

The two clubs have met once previously when Neath edged a 20-14 verdict at Newbridge Fields in the WRU Cup in 2011/12.

Neath will be led for the first time by flanker Ben Williams and, subject to permits being granted, make a number of changes from the side named for last week’s frost-frustrated game at Newport.

Louis Rees moves to full back and James Roberts is back on the wing, Aaron Bramwell and Keiran Charles pair up at centre while Gruff Williams resumes at scrum-half.

Up front, Mason Morgan missed out on a debut at Newport so he will be hoping for better luck this week and the front row is completed by Evan Kneath and Tarek Dabeh while Thomas John and Matthew Davies are at lock.

The replacements’ bench is yet to be finalised.

Neath v Bridgend Athletic (Home)

15 Louis Rees; 14 James Roberts, 13 Aaron Bramwell, 12 Keiran Charles, 11 Ryan Griffiths; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Gruff Williams; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Evan Kneath, 3 Tarik Dabeh; 4 Thomas John, 5 Matthew Davies; 6 Fergus Kneath, 8 Morgan Kneath, 7 Ben Williams (captain)

Replacements – TBC

Forthcoming Fixtures

Saturday     Dec.  16     Swansea                                       Home          2.30pm

Boxing Day  Dec.  26     Aberavon                                      Home          2.30pm

Saturday     Dec.  30     Carmarthen Quins                          Away          2.30pm

Supporter Information

Ground entry is just £5 (Adults), Under-16’s FREE.

• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 1.30pm
• Pre-Match – Tonna U-10’s v Bridgend Athletic U-10’s
• 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.