Sadly for Pontypridd and Cross Keys, their home games against Jersey and Newcastle respectively have both been abandoned due to the cold weather. Bridgend’s clash with Ulster at the Brewery Field has also fallen victim to the snow.
Pontypridd were the first to confirm their abandonment with Sardis Road under a seven inch layer of snow. Cross Keys and the Ravens soon followed.
The latest news has seen Aberavon and Newport also forced to cancel their respective games.
The remaining fixtures are currently still on with Neath confident their game against Stirling County will go ahead as planned. The Gnoll was in perfect condition on Thursday evening and, while the snow has now arrived, no frost is forecast.
“We will be making every effort to get the game played,” said a spokesman for the Welsh All Blacks.
After six weeks away from The Gnoll, Neath will be looking to end their British & Irish Cup campaign on a high note.
Recent wins at Aberavon and Bedwas have lifted Neath spirits and they will again be led by back-rower Lee Evans. There are also debuts for prop Ceri Jones and young flanker Jordan Collier who gets his first start after making two appearances from the bench.
Kevin James, and Alun Wyn Davies return to the starting line-up and Lee Williams to the bench as Neath’s injury-list finally starts to improve.
“We want to finish the campaign on a high note, aiming for a 50 per cent record,” said Neath head coach Pat Horgan.
“There is an infectious enthusiasm around the squad and, after six weeks away from The Gnoll, it will be great for Neath supporters to get behind these young players.
“Everyone gave their all in the mud of Bedwas last week to secure a double over the Welsh Premiership leaders, the youngsters we have introduced recently went really well alongside some of the more experienced players and we are looking to push onwards.”
For more information on this weekend’s games please check your clubs’ websites.
British & Irish Cup fixtures:
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Bedford v Bedwas
Bridgend v Ulster (POSTPONED)
Carmarthen Quins v Cornish Pirates
Connacht v Newport (POSTPONED)
Cross Keys v Newcastle (POSTPONED)
Dundee High v Swansea
Leeds Carnegie v Leinster
Llanelli v Moseley
Neath v Stirling County
Nottingham v Llandovery
Pontypridd v Jersey (POSTPONED)
Rotherham Titans v Aberavon (POSTPONED)
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Bristol v Cardiff (POSTPONED)
