There’s sure to be a lot of emotion involved when Newport play their first game since the passing of Club President and Rugby Icon, Brian B.J. Jones. There will be a ‘minute’s applause’ before the game when supporters can show their appreciation of ‘Mr. Newport’.
There has been a lot of criticism of the SRC league structure this season, some of it entirely justified, but, with just a few games left, every team has something to play for whether it’s an ‘easier’ game in the play-offs or home advantage. This does mean that the team finishing bottom in the regular league position can win the title with a good run in the play-offs!!!
But, one game at a time, and the game against Ebbw Vale is very important for both sides. The Steel Men are still hoping to finish in top spot and their recent form says that they are certainly capable of achieving it. The Black & Ambers want to finish as high up the table as possible to give them a slightly easier run-in.
Newport paid the price of the six-point win against RGC by picking up several injuries among the forwards but can still field a useful matchday squad.
Newport: Tom Workman, Tyler Olding, Ollie Drake, Josh Skinner, Barny Langton-cryer, George Young, Kyle Tayler, Ben Roach, Che Hope, Jac Lloyd, Lloyd Lewis, Chay Foster-Smith, Jon Morris, Iestyn Galton, Carwyn Penny.
Replacements: James Benjamin, Tom Devine, Garin Harris, Rhys Jenkins, Josh Reid, Daf Buckland, Dai Richards, Matt O’Brien.
Referee: Craig Evans
AR1: Aaron Parry
AR2: Cai Lewis
Kick-off: 2:30 PM
Venue: Rodney parade