By Zippy
August 1 2003

The most drawn out of all the regional mergers was the combination of little Ebbw Vale and Newport. The name for the region seemed the most easy to pick, they would be called the Gwent Somethings. That was until Newport supporters had other ideas "We want Newport in the name". The whole mess got very petty when the availability of Rodney Parade as the regional venue was questioned. Pontypool threw their 2pence worth into the debate as well.
Anyway it seems to have been resolved, the squad was launched last week and here is our squad review:

The Backs

The Gwent backline is something of an unknown quantity, plenty of talent but will they gel in time?

At full back they have the world class and experience of South African Percy Montgomery, or they could play him elsewhere and the ever-reliable Brett Davey could step in.
Out wide they have acquired the powerful Kevin James from Neath and on the other wing the pacey 7s specialist Ben Breeze.
They will be captained from the centre by powerhouse Andy Marinos, he can be accused of being a little one dimensional but very little else the uncompromising Welsh-South African always gives 110%
Alongside him they have the useful Rhys Shorney or the injury prone Steve Winn, youngsters Nathan Brew and Hal Luscombe may also compete for the shirt.
At fly half 2 men with points to prove:
Craig Warlow perhaps deserved a regional contract with the Warriors after a superb season in Bridgend's championship winning side. Lee Jarvis always promises a lot but needs to consistently perform if he harbours international ambitions.
N.o.9 is a competitive position despite the departure of crowd favourite To'nu. They have the option of the quick hands of Rhodri Jones, the abrasive Irishman Brian Shelbourne or the talented youngster Gareth Baber.

The backline is not without potential, it could be slightly one dimensional. The rumoured signing of another South African Robbie Fleck would be a bonus but I think the money would be better spent on a back row player - Colin Charvis?

The Forwards

The pack is where this Gwent side may struggle, they lack experience in key areas(back row). Certain players need big seasons.

The front row looks good, international props Rod Snow & Chris Anthony should match anyone. In the middle the promising Steve Jones and Paul Young will compete for the place.

In the second row another international combo, Ian Gough and Michael Owen are 2 of the most athletic second rows in Wales, during the world cup Neil Edwards and Peter Sidoli amongst others will offer back up.
N.o.8 they have SVR (Shawn Van Rensburg) South African born now Welsh qualified, he was the best in his position last year in Wales. An immensely strong ball carrier who will be vital to the dragons.

On the flank the Vice-Captain of the side Jason Forster who is always consistent and it puzzles me how he does not have any international caps.
Others competing for flanker places include the quick red head Jamie Ringer, and someone I do not know anything about but has had rave reviews from the memorial ground - Rhys Oakley.

It is not a bad pack by any means - I think they need their 1st choice 8 as the depth is not great.

Overall Thoughts & Prediction

Easily the weakest of the Regional Squads in terms of depth, the saving grace is that they will not be blighted by call-ups during the world cup and could build momentum early on.

I still don't think this will be enough, they will finish weakest of the Welsh sides in the Celtic league and suffer early elimination from Europe. However the season should be one to build upon.