After a 6-26 win over lowly Aberavon on Wednesday, Llanelli went to the head of the Premiership table, albeit having played a game more than the likes of Pontypridd and Llandovery. And after suffering what was perhaps a surprise opening day defeat to Bridgend, Llanelli have responded brilliantly with three successive wins ahead of their clash with Bedwas.
It will be far from a foregone conclusion though with Bedwas going into the game on the back of a narrow win over Newport on Wednesday.
“Bedwas have had a terrific start to the season and will without doubt be a big challenge to our squad,” said Llanelli head of rugby Anthony Buchanan.
“Both sides will be playing two games in four days and like us, Bedwas will have picked up some bumps and bruises. We managed a 21-19 win last season and a repeat of that result would be nice.
“But I’m expecting the same as we always get at the Bridge Field, a big challenge on the field and a bigger welcome off.”
No. 8 Stuart Leach keeps his place in the Llanelli side after a fine Premiership debut against Aberavon while Buchanan welcomes back Kristian Phillips and 19 year old Jordan Williams who gets his first start of the season at outside-half.
Injuries picked up in the win over Aberavon rule out Jamie Kaijaks, Aled Hopkins, Nic Reynolds, Owen Williams and Aled Davies which gives opportunities to props Peter Owen and Sean McDonnell-Roberts. Permits are also being sought to finalise the remaining places on the bench.
For their third game in seven days, Bedwas rotate their forwards for the clash with Llanelli.
Ian George, on loan from Cross Keys, makes his first start at loose head prop while Rhys Hutcherson and Kristian Gay also start in the front row. Phil Rees, who has impressed in his appearances from the bench, starts at lock in place of Craig Lodge. Only Simon Grainger retains his place in the back row as Phill Sargent comes back to take over the captain’s armband and Sam Feehan replaces the injured James Thomas.
In the back division Rory Budina comes in on the left wing in place of Matthew John who drops to the bench. Tom Rowlands starts at scrum half and Ethan Davies at full back but otherwise Bedwas remain unchanged.
Bedwas Chairman Mark Lewis was delighted with his clubs win at Newport on Wednesday night.
“Our never say die attitude on Wednesday night was a delight to watch, it’s always pleasing to win on the road,” he said.
“We must keep our feet firmly on the gas pedal now and look to build momentum and make the Bridge Field a ground that nobody wishes to visit’
Bedwas: 15 Ethan Davies 14 Ross Wardle 13 Jack Dixon 12 Scott Williams 11 Rory Budina 10 Richard Powell 9 Tom Rowlands, 1 Ian George 2 Rhys Hutcherson 3 Kristian Gay 4 Phil Rees 5 Kyle Maiden 6 Phil Sargeant (c) 7 Simon Grainger 8 Sam Feehan.
Replacements: Dan Preece, Matthew Petit, Ben Roberts, James Richards, Aaron Harris, A Quick, Stuart Thomas, Matthew John.
Llanelli: 15 Kristian Phillips 14 Bowdy Davies 13 Steffan Hughes 12 Johnny Lewis 11 Kyle Evans 10 Jordan Williams 9 Rhys Lane, 1 Shaun Hopkins 2 Craig Hawkins 3 Peter Owen 4 Adam Powell (c) 5 Jake Ball 6 Duane Eager 7 Daniel Thomas 8 Stuart Leach.
Replacements: Rhys Thomas, Tomas Wilson, Ed Price, Nathan Hart, TBC, Nathan Brooks, TBC, Sean McDonnell-Roberts.
Referee: Ian Davies.
