Neath complete their pre-season warm-up programme against Talywain at The Gnoll on Friday evening (kick off 7.15pm).

The Gwent side are 125 years old and, having played at The Gnoll in the WRU Cup in 1992/93 (Neath winning 30-7), are keen to make a return visit. Talywain will take their place in the Championship this season after winning promotion as champions of Division 1 East last year.

Talywain have several players who have played for Pontypool and Neath coaches Tim Ryan and Ryan Evans continue to run their eyes over their squad options.

The return of several players who were unavailable for the Swansea game last week means that there are nine changes in the starting line-up.

Behind the scrum, Lewis Evans makes his season’s bow at full back, Ki Morgan starts on the wing after impressing twice off the bench with Kieran Charles  partnering Sean Wilcox at centre. George Richards pairs up with Rhodri Cole at half back.

Up front, Josh Clark starts at hooker and is propped by Tonna product Josh Jones and Mason Morgan with Matthew Davies and Jacob Blackmore locking them. Skipper Ben Williams switches to No.8 and is flanked by Casey Williams and Gethin Tremlett.

Young Dowlais back-rower Luke Evans features on the replacements bench where Ellis Lewis and experienced prop Gareth Lloyd return.

Coach Tim Ryan said, “Our purpose in these games has been to take a look at everyone who has been training with us and 34 players have shown in the first two games.

“Consequently our systems were not what they needed to be against Swansea and we are looking to remedy that against Talywain. Holidays took their toll too but the team improved in the second-half after that disastrous start.

“It will be good to have Lewis (Evans) and Gareth (Lloyd) back for this one as we gear up for the start of the league the following week.”

The weather is set fair so please come along to another warm and entertaining Friday at The Gnoll which has already seen 19 tries in two games with more promised.

Neath v Talywain (Home)

15 Lewis Evans; 14 Ki Morgan, 13 Sean Wilcox, 12 Kieran Charles, 11 Matthew Jenkins; 10 George Richards, 9 Rhodri Cole; 1 Josh Jones, 2 Josh Clark, 3 Mason Morgan; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Jacob Blackmore; 6 Casey Williams, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements (From) – Evan Kneath, Gareth Lloyd, Elis Hopkins, Ollie Rice, Dan Watkins, Luke Evans, Sam Gardner, Ellis Lewis, James Dixon, Ryan Griffiths, Nathan Orrells, Llewellyn Hawkes  Steff Williams

Referee – Mr. Andrew Moule (Port Talbot)

September Fixtures

Saturday     September  7      Merthyr                                Home          2.30pm

Saturday     September 14      Brecon                                 Away          2.30pm

Saturday     September  21     Newbridge                            Away          2.30pm

Saturday     September  28     Cross Keys                            Home          2.30pm

Supporter Information

• Admission : Adults £5, Under-16’s FREE
• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 6.15pm
• Programmes on sale inside the gates (only £2) with more summer news and information – so don’t miss your copy !
• Refreshments available inside the ground from our new outlet – the Tuck Shop
• For the comfort of spectators, no dogs allowed (other than sight-assisting), and there is no smoking or vaping inside ground.

Season Tickets

Season Tickets may be purchased from Matty Young who will also be in the Clubhouse next Monday and Tuesday evenings.