On Saturday Bedwas make the short trip to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed campus to take for Bedwas Head Coach Ian Gardner’s Cardiff Met RFC team in the second round of the WRU National Cup.
Speaking ahead of the game current Head Coach Stefan Sankala said “The squad are looking forward to putting the jersey on again particularly after our second half response versus Newport. Of course our aim is to put a full 80 minutes together against a very organised, athletic and well coached side in Cardiff Met.”
“This fixture gives us the chance to progress in the Cup as well as change our focus from what continues to be a challenging task in the league. It will be great to see ‘Gards’ (Ian Gardner) again after leaving his legacy with us but we are fully aware that he will have prepared in every way possible. It goes without saying we need to be at our best to outwit Gards and the team but we are up for the challenge.”
We spoke briefly to Ian Gardner for his view and thank him for his time, he said “From a personal point of view it’s not the draw I wanted but it will be good to catch up with so many friends. It’s going to be a real challenge for the Met players to cope with the physicality and power that Bedwas will bring, but it will be a great learning experience for the players to play against Premiership opposition.”
The side selected shows a few changes to that which took on Newport last week.
Sam Cochrane starts at loose head prop with Brynley Toms moving to the bench. Jonathan Armitage misses out due to the head injury sustained last week with James Richards taking his place and Dale Rogers starts at number 8 with Nathan Hudd on the bench.
Rory Harries gets the nod to start at scrum half partnering Evan Lloyd. Kane Teear-Bourge returns on the left wing with Lewis Bowden partnering Connor Edwards in the centres. Ben White starts at full back in place of Joe Scrivens.
On the bench the evergreen Deri Mattravers could well make another cameo appearance, with Bradley Hill also coming back and we welcome Senghenydd’s Owen Ford as replacement cover at hooker
The full side is: 15. Ben White, 14. Jordan Rees, 13.Connor Edwards, 12. Lewis Bowden, 11. Kane Teear-Bourge, 10. Evan Lloyd, 9. Rory Harries; 1. Sam Cochrane, 2. Alun Rees©, 3. Chris Budgen, 4. Gareth Allen, 5. Jonathan Davies, 6. Craig Hudd, 7. James Richards, 8. Dale Rogers.
Replacements:
16. Mike Dacey, 17. Brynley Toms, 18. Owen Ford, 19. Bradley Hill, 20. Deri Mattravers, 21. Luke Crane, 22. Jacob Chilcott, 23. Adam Williams.
For those not travelling to Cyncoed please come and support Bedwas RFC Youth who host Penarth RFC Youth, kick-off is at 2-30pm.