Bearman’s cleared to face rivals

Jan 1 2008 South Wales Echo

THE Newport Gwent Dragons will have No.8 Joe Bearman available for today’s Magners League clash against the Llanelli Scarlets at Rodney Parade (4.10pm).

Bearman was sent off for fighting with Cardiff Blues lock Paul Tito following the Dragons’ 11-6 defeat at the Arms Park on Boxing Day.

But like Tito, a Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary hearing yesterday ruled the red card was sufficient and did not impose any ban on Bearman.

The Dragons’ former Blues scrum-half Wayne Evans was not as lucky though as he received a two-week ban for his part in the same brawl after being cited after the game, while Blues’ Ben White got a five-week suspension.

But the Bearman verdict is a crucial decision for the injury-hit Dragons side whose back-row resources have been depleted.

The Dragons have an injury crisis, with Richard Parks suffering suspected medial ligament damage in the loss at Cardiff Blues, and fellow flanker Jamie Ringer is having checks on a shoulder injury.

With number eight Nic Fitisemanu already on the long-term injury list with a ripped bicep muscle and Dan Lydiate recovering from a neck injury, the Dragons are down to the bare bones in the back-row.

Wales outside-half Stephen Jones is out for the Scarlets after suffering a bruised thumb against the Ospreys five days ago.

Dragons: K Morgan; R Fussell, P Emerick, A Smith, R Mustoe; C Sweeney, A Walker/A Williams; H Gustafson, S Jones, R Thomas, A Jones, P Sidoli, C Chavis (captain), M Owen, J Bearman.

Reps (from): B Daly, A Black, A Hall, L Evans, J Harris, P Dollman, J Lewis A Thomas, A Williams, A Walker, R Lewis.

Scarlets: TBC