Glamorgan Gazette

KEV KICKS OFF

- With Kevin Ellis

ums and an intimidati­ng crowd. The Test matches will be another level up but confidence is growing and the players are battling for Test shirts. There are some exciting games to come.

Sam Warburton admits his Test place is under threat even though he’s captain. He’s been struggling with an ankle injury from the first game and has struggled to train. He knows he needs a big game or he won’t be selected. Irish No 7 Sean O’Brien was outstandin­g against the Crusaders and is favourite but Warburton is a warrior and won’t give up the jersey easyily.

This Friday, Wales face Tonga in the first game of the tour. It’s going to be a great experience for some of the youngsters on tour. Tonga are going to be big, strong and very physical. They tackle hard so Wales have got to play an open, fast game and I’m sure we will have more skill and fitness and gather a win but I think it’s going be tough. Good luck boys. gend College product has turned out 149 times for Aberavon since joining the Wizards ahead of the 2009/10 season.

Having played for Wales U18s a number of times in 2009, he made the move to the Talbot Athletic Ground, making his debut against Briton Ferry in August 2009, before going on to feature six times in his first season.

Since then, he has been a key part of the Aberavon pack.

CENTRE Edwards Llanelli.

No stranger to Bridgend supporters, Edwards returns to the club after stints with fellow Premiershi­p sides Newport and Llanelli.

A product of the Ospreys developmen­t pathway, he played age-grade rugby with the Eyasses up to U18 level. He also gained internatio­nal recognitio­n with Wales at U20 level in the Six Nations.

The former Wales U20 star leaves the West Wales side having turned out 44 times in two seasons, scoring nine tries. Nathan has also represente­d the Scarlets Premiershi­p Select Side and Scarlets 7s in the prestigiou­s Singha 7s tournament­s.

The midfielder has al- Nathan joins from

It was great to hear my two good mates Allan Bateman and John Devereux have been busy doing charity events in the borough. They attended the Haywain pub in Brackla to do a Q&A session about the Lions and after that drove up too Maesteg Golf Club for an event organised by ex- ready pulled on the Ravens jersey 95 times and at just 25 years old, still has his most of his best rugby years ahead of him. He was a key member of the squad which steered Bridgend back to the Wales prop Huw Williams Jones all for Velindre Cancer Hospital. Well done boys. I’m gutted I couldn’t make them but I will see you both in my team, Kev’s Kings, in the Hilary Floyd-Ellis netball tournament on July 31.

Well done to the Wales football team on their draw against Serbia. It was Premiershi­p in 2010/11 having made his breakthrou­gh to the first team towards the tail end of the previous season.

WING Aaron Grabham joins from Neath.

The former Bridgend a great result considerin­g Wales were without superstar Gareth Bale who was facing a one-match suspension. Aaron Ramsey scored a first-half penalty and they led at halftime but unfortunat­ely they conceded a late goal. Chris Coleman said before kick-off Wales couldn’t afford to lose and put in a College and Kenfig Hill wide man joins up with Matt Silva’s charges after a hugely impressive campaign where he scored 28 tries for the Welsh All Blacks in all competitio­ns, helping them to the gutsy performanc­e and are third in the table. Still a long way to go but we’ve got keep positive. QUESTION: Do you think Warren Gatland would drop Sam Warburton for the first Test if he’s underperfo­rming?

Yes, he would definite- Principali­ty Premiershi­p Tier 2 Playoffs.

Grabham has also turned out for Aberavon and has represente­d the Ospreys and Wales at U18 level. At just 21 years old, Aaron will add to an ly! He’s got a responsibi­lity as head coach to pick the best team and at the moment Warburton is not at the top of his game and O’Brien was superb against the Crusaders. I wouldn’t write Sam Warburton off just yet because we all know when he’s fit he’s up there with the best in the world. already impressive Bridgend back division providing competitio­n in an already strong position amongst other local wingers such as Mike Powell, Ryan Griffiths and Garin Lougher.

 ?? DENNIS CLARK ?? Jamie Murphy was voted the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season
DENNIS CLARK Jamie Murphy was voted the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season
 ?? BILLY STICKLAND ?? Rhys Webb still has a chance to claim the Lions Test jersey
BILLY STICKLAND Rhys Webb still has a chance to claim the Lions Test jersey
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