Cross Keys host Newport this Saturday in the annual festive derby in the Principality Premiership at Pandy Park.
The Keys have confirmed their team for the clash and it shows a host of changes to the side that took to the field last week against Carmarthen Quins. In the pack Corey Hewlett comes in to replace Gary Carpenter at loose head prop. In the second row Harvey Reader starts in place of skipper Damian Welch who has moved to the back row where Keys have a number of injury problems but the back row is boosted by the return Garin Price at number 8. Tom Lampard starts at openside flanker as Price comes in at number 8 to replace Ieuan Jones who suffered a knee injury in the latter stages of last week’s game. In the back line Dragons outside half Jacob Botica replaces Jason Tovey who looks set to see action on permit for the Dragons against the Ospreys. Owain Leonard starts in place of Rhodri Davies at scrum half. Elsewhere in the backs Will Kelly will start at full back with Leon Andrews out after his injury in the first half last week and Keys are grateful to Cardiff as they allow winger Llywarch Ap Myrddin to play on permit against his former side whilst on the other wing for Keys Wes Cunliffe will also start against his former side.
The Keys side in full is:-
15. Will Kelly
14. Llywarch Ap Myrddin
13. Srdan Majkic
12. Dylan Fidler
11. Wes Cunliffe
10. Jacob Botica
9. Owain Leonard
1. Corey Hewlett
2. Ellis Shipp
3. Richard Cornock
4. Harvey Reader
5. Scott Andrews
6. Damian Welch (c)
7. Tom Lampard
8. Garin Price
Replacements: 16. Rhydian Jenkins, 17. Gary Carpenter 18. Scott Evans, 19. Joe Thomas, 20. Will Griffiths, 21. Carwyn Penny, 22. Rory Budina, 23. Corey Nicholls.
Cross Keys v Newport Principality Premiership
Date: Saturday 29th December 2018
Venue: Pandy Park
Kick Off: 2.30pm
