Ospreys take flight in Premier clash

Dec 8 2007 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

THE Ospreys will have a considerable say in the meeting between champions Neath and Bridgend, writes Howard Evans.

While fly-half Matthew Jones and lock Mike Powell are available for Bridgend, the region also provide real strength to Neath.

Steve Tandy, added to the huge squad at Newport last week, should play alongside Jonathan Spratt and Craig Mitchell.

However, this will be no easy game for Neath, who by not playing last week, conceded top spot to Ebbw Vale. Dafydd Lockyer could return for Neath, but James Merriman is in South Africa on Wales sevens duty.

Bridgend: G David (capt); C Weightman, G Hobbs, P Smith, D Connolly; M Jones, L Ronan; L Davies, D Harvey, R Jones, M Powell, T Evans, I Cunningham, G Williams, M Tidball.

Neath (from): G King, N Clapham, K James, A Bevan, D Lockyer, S Thomas, J Spratt, H Thomas, A Thomas, G Williams, G Jones, G James; N Downs, R Davies, A Littlehales, A James, J Richards, M Jones, C Mitchell, S Martin, M Morgan, E Evans, A Llewellyn, G Gravell, J Thomas, G Price, S Pengelly, L Beach (capt), S Tandy.