Currently sitting in fourth, Gwent College are only two points clear of Coleg Llandrillo in the battle for the final play-off place and are seven points short of the unbeaten leaders, and defending champions, Coleg Y Cymoedd.
They were beaten 52-15 last time out against the champions and need to get back on the horse quickly if they are to compete in the business end of the season. It has been a tough season to date for NPTC, with only two wins to date.
Cymoedd head to Neyland to meet Pembrokeshire College, while last season’s runners-up, Coleg Sir Gar, host Gower College. Third place, Ysgol Glantaf, meanwhile, have a Blues regional derby against Cardiff & Vale College at Cowbridge.
Martyn Fowler, director of rugby at CAVC, is a huge admirer of the Glantaf style and believes this week’s opponents possess two of the best players on the circuit in full back Theo Cabango and lock Teddy Williams.
“Teddy has already played for Wales U18 and Cardiff Blues A and has a big future ahead of him as a lock. He has great ball playing skills and also has the size and physical ability to make the grade,” said Fowler.
“Theo is the most dangerous runner in Wales for his age and has been a stand-out player for Glantaf this season. Their open approach suits his style and we are going to have to keep a close eye on him.
“It is great to have another Blues derby match. We beat Whitchurch HS earlier in the season and to do the double would be a huge achievement for us.
“We are learning all the time as a side and the thirst for knowledge from this group of players is fantastic – they are like sponges. We don’t talk about winning or losing, just using every game as a learning experience.”
Welsh Schools & Colleges League
Tuesday, 6 November
Gwent College v Neath Port Talbot College (Pandy Park, 7.30pm)
Gwent: Dylan Edwards; Ethan Clayden, Euan Rosser, Owain Padfield, Carrick McDonnough; Jake Morgan, Dylan Davies; Hendry Hibbs, Connor Chapman, Matthew Jones, Callum Barton, Dylan Shorthouse, Adam Young, Matthew Jefferies (captain), Kyle Bailey
Reps: Jack Wakely, Joe Cowell, Ben Taylor, Bevan Jay, Morgan Lloyd, Lewis Ryan, Sam George
NPTC: Iestyn Morgan; Jordan Evans, Bradley Roderick, Joe Hawkins, Riley Henderson; Joe Humphreys, Dan Hiscocks; Tom Crockett, Brandon Jones, Lewys Jones, Rhys Thomas, James Fender, Billy Moxey, Dillon Caulfield, Jordan Evans
Reps: Scott Mahoney, Jay Roberts, Ben Francis, Will Pope, Callum Grimes, Jacob Daniels, Logan Phillips
Wednesday, 7 November
Whitchurch HS v Newport HS (Whitchurch HS, 2.30pm)
Coleg Sir Gar v Gower College (Sir Gar, 2.30pm)
Pembrokeshire College v Coleg Y Cymoedd (Neyland RFC, 2.30pm)
Cardiff & Vale College v Ysgol Glantaf (Cowbridge Comprehensive School, 2.30pm)
Coleg Llandrillo v Bridgend College (Parc Eirias, 2.30pm)
