Pembrokeshire Cup
Cardigan entertain Neyland this evening (7.30 ko) in the Pembrokeshire Cup and they will be all out to avenge a narrow defeat at the hands of the All Blacks just a few weeks ago in division three west.
This loss is the only one coach Colin Horscroft and his men have suffered this season in all competitions and the former Cardigan and Emlyn hooker has picked a strong side tonight even though this trophy is not high up on his list of priorities.
Promotion is the number one aim and the current division three joint leaders are going well and look the side to beat and Horscroft will be hoping for a bit of luck when it comes to injuries as there are a few key players who make such a huge difference to the team and he will be mindful of the need to rest them on occasion.
Back rower Colin Davies who was outstanding against Usk last weekend in the WRU Bowl is carrying a knock and was not considered for selection, centre Emyr Harries probably the most consistent performer for the Cardi’s this season is also out but there are plenty of players putting their hands up for selection.
Horscroft has opted for a half back pairing of Aaron Evans at inside half and Luke Rogers at stand off and they play well together whilst Jackson Tucker Lynch comes in for a rare appearance at centre and links up with Marcus Castle. Llyr Jones and Rhydian Jenkins are on the wing and Alun Jenkins is at full back.
Up front Tomos Evans comes back into the side at loose head with Bedwyr Davies at hooker and Ben Hughes at tight head and they have experienced cornerstone Richard Jones on the bench if required.
Dean Harries who had a very good game against Usk starts in the second row alongside Rob Connolly and in the back row skipper and number eight Llyr Griffiths has powerful ball carrier Gethin Jones and open side flanker Kieran Hurley alongside him.
Horscroft has a strong bench to choose from with the likes of Will Brice, Ifan James, Sion Hughes, Gareth Clifford and Llyr Tobias available and a decent crowd is expected this evening for this cup encounter.
The All Blacks have won three of their six league games in the current campaign including a victory against Cardigan a month ago and have some quality in outside half Ashley Sutton, number eight Ben Williams, inside centre Mark Rile and wings Ben Goodridge and Luke Conbeer.
Cardigan though should be strong enough to make amends this time around.
