By Web Team
December 24 2003

Bridgend or Pontypridd games against Cardiff were always mouthwatering derby clashes. Now for the first time the combined Warriors team takes to the field against the Cardiff Blues on Saturday 27th December. For team news read on

Blues vs. Warriors

Cardiff Arms Park

Saturday 27th Decemeber 

KO: 17.30

Team News:

Warriors - Mefin Davies is expected to play after making a quick recovery from an eye injury. His return should boost the Warriors pack.
Gareth Cooper remains injured along with long term absentees Richard Bryan and Phil Booth.

Blues - Injuries in the back row to Dan Baugh, Rob Appleyard, Robin Sowden Taylor and James Malpas means Jim Brownrigg moves into the back row with Heino Senekal coming into the second row. Jamie Robinson also misses the game due to injury so Tom Shanklin moes into the centre, Rhys Williams goes onto the wing and Nicky Robinson comes into the full back position.

Opinion:

Howells has many selection problems, Jenkins or Sweeney? Havilli or Wyatt? Bishop or Parker? But what an enviable position, its time the Warriors put a performance together.
A bumper crowd should enjoy this clash at the arms pack and it will hopefully be one to savour and really put regional rugby in the spotlight within Wales for the right reasons.
The Warriors are stronger on paper but the Blues have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks and should be respected.

A close encounter that we will hopefully edge.

Blues Starting XV: Nick Robinson; Rhys Williams, Tom Shanklin, Matt Allen, Craig Morgan; Iestyn Harris, Andrew Moore; John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Darren Crompton, Heino Senekal, Andy Moore, Jim Brownrigg, Nathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, capt 

Replacements: Kenneth Fourie, Ben Evans, Rhys Thomas, Craig Quinnell, Dan McShane, Ryan Powell, Nick Walne

Warriors Starting XV: tbc 

Replacements:

Referee: Nigel H Williams (Bryncoch) - Yes him, lets hope he has a better day.