WRU Championship leaders Neath head into 2023 with a two-point lead over Pontypool at the top of the table – but well aware that the Gwent side have a game in hand.

The Blacks’ first assignment of the New Year is the short hop to the top of the Swansea Valley to play Ystalyfera on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm) where they have had two close games in the Championship.

Neath have not played a league game since winning 29-22 at Ystrad Rhondda on December 3 – a tough challenge and Saturday will be no different.

The Blacks showed enterprise to fit in a Boxing Day game against Briton Ferry but few of the team which won by a handsome 68-nil win are named for Ystalyfera.

Neath will be without the injured Jon Barley and delay final composition of the replacements’ bench but full back Lewis Evans and scrum-half Nicky Griffiths have reported fit.

Also on the mend are wingers James Roberts and Louis Rees, lock Sam Langford and flankers Morgan Kneath and Carwyn Sion.

Neath v Ystalyfera (Away)

15 Jonny Bayliss; 14 Ryan Griffiths, 13 Ryan Evans (captain), 12 Ben Atkins, 11 Aled Brew; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Macauley Griffiths; 1 Gareth Lloyd, 2 Sion Crocker, 3 Tim Ryan; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Jacob Blackmore; 6 Elis Hopkins, 8 David Griggs, 7 Owain Morgan

Replacements – (From) Jack Powell, Josh Clark, Jonny Thomas, Sam Martin, Fergus Kneath, Nicky Griffiths, Lewis Evans

Referee – Mr. Gareth Jablonski (Aberdare)

January Fixtures :-

Sat     Jan    14      Bargoed                                    A        Championship

Sat     Jan    21      Trebanos                                   H       Cup

Sat     Jan    28      Bedwas                                     A        Championship