Bala Town vs Haverfordwest County - Cymru Premier MD2

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF BALA TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

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BALA TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICIALS LIST SWYDDOGION CLWB PEL-DROED TREF Y BALA Director Of Football & Head Coach / Cyfarwyddwr Pel-Droed & Prif Hyfforddwr: Colin Caton Assistant Head Coach / Prif Hyfforddwr Cynorthwyol: Stephen Fisher & Ryan Valentine Goal Keeping Coach / Hyffordwr Gôl Geidwad: Harri Lloyd Club Doctor / Meddyg y Clwb: Dr Christopher Jordan Physios / Ffisios: Ffiona Evans Strength & Conditioning / Cryfder a Chyflyru: Nicolas Jones Academy Director / Cyfarwyddwr Academi: Carwyn Edwards President / Llywydd: Joe Roberts Vice President / Is Lywydd: Ted Edwards Chairman / Cadeirydd: Arwel Roberts Chief Executive / Prif Weithredwr: Nigel Aykroyd General Secretary, Finance Director & Licensing Officer / Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol, Cyfarwyddwr Cyllidol a Swyddog Trwyddedu: Ruth Crump Media Officer & Web-site / Swyddog Cyfryngau & Wefan: Joe Taft Head of Security / Pennaeth Diogelwch: Sion Roberts Commercial Director / Cyfarwyddwr Masnachol: Arwel Ll Jones Supporters Liaison Officer / Swyddog Cyswllt y Cefnogwyr: Dion Jones Disability Liaison Officer / Swyddog Cyswllt Anabledd: Cai Aykroyd Safeguarding Officer / Swyddog Diogelu: Nerys Whitley Covid Officer & 3G Manager / Swyddog Covid & Rheolwr y 3G: Gillian Evans Sub Committees / Is-Bwyllgorau Ruth Crump, Nigel Aykroyd, Ken Edwards, Don Lund, Gwyn Jones, Arwel Roberts, Carol Rowlands, Beryl Hanmer, Ted Edwards, R. F. Jones, Graham Martindale, Glyn Roberts, Arwel Lloyd Jones, Elwyn Rowlands, Gill Evans, Rob Davies, Ian Jones, Janet Blaszkiewicz, Barry Yates, Mark Watkins, Amanda Reed, John Roberts, Sion Roberts, Rhian Williams.

Nigel Aykroyd Interview | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

NIGEL’S NOTES N I G E L AY K R OY D

here we go again!

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S

Nigel Aykroyd Interview | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

Here we go again!! Another season is upon us and we once again welcome each and every one of you back to Maes Tegid for the first home JD Premier League fixture of this new campaign. A special welcome to all who have travelled from Haverfordwest and I hope you enjoy the hospitality of us all in Bala.

We have had little or no rest since the season finished in May but the experience in the Europa Conference League when we were desperately unlucky to lose to Irish Premier team Sligo was one not to be forgotten.

The loss to a penalty shootout was heartbreaking especially after our dominance of the match and the numerous chances which we missed.

Sligo franked our performance by going on to beat Scottish Premier side Motherwell and showed how well we had performed! It was then straight into pre season friendlies and the Nathaniel League Cup. After all this is football and nothing is predictable!

It is also another special season for our Manager Colin Caton. This is his 20th season at the helm in Bala and surely there cannot be many managers anywhere who can boast that longevity and loyalty. We are indebted to Colin for all his huge achievements and successes at the Club. Let’s hope we can have another special season to celebrate his superb commitment to Bala Town!

Thank you as always for your attendance at Maes Tegid this afternoon.

DIOLCH PAWB!

d y o r k y A .

N

We travelled to Penybont for our first fixture last Sunday and despite the confidence in the squad were well beaten in the heatwave conditions. I can only hope that it is a touch cooler this Saturday for all concerned and that we can put that performance behind and rebound in style this afternoon. balatownfc.co.uk | 05

JD Cymru Premier Standings | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

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JD Cymru Premier Results | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

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ALEX RAMSAY

CALUM WOODS

NATHAN PEATE

LASSANA MENDES

LUKE WALL

ANTONY KAY

CHRIS VENABLES

JAMES DAVIES

KIERAN SMITH

DAN CLARK

PAUL RUTHERFORD

DAVE EDWARDS

BRAD BAURESS

OLIVER SOUTHERN

ROSS WHITE

NAIM ARSAN

GEORGE NEWELL

OLLIE SHANNON

HARRI LLOYD

BALA TOWN SQUAD 2022/23

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Player Sponsors | Bala Town vs Penybont

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Player & Staff Sponsorship | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

SPONSORSHIP Alex Ramsay – Calum Woods – Nathan Peate – Lassana Mendes – Luke Wall – Chris Venables – James Davies – Sion Roberts Kieran Smith – Soulayman El Amri – Dan Clark – Antony Kay – Paul Rutherford – Dave Edwards – Peter Spitzmaul Brad Bauress – Oliver Southern – Ross White – The Fat Boar Wrexham (www.thefatboarwrecsam.co.uk) George Newell – Alun & Elfyn Naim Arsan – Oliver Shannon – Harri Lloyd – Colin Caton – Stephen Fisher – Ryan Valentine – Nick Jones – Steve Crompton – Ffiona Evans – Gwyn & Jackie Penucha Want to sponsor a member of our Squad or Backroom staff?

Please get in contact with either Nigel at nigel.aykroyd@aykroyds.co.uk or Arwel at armano9@btinternet.com if you are interested in sponsoring a first team player or staff member for the 2022/2023 season.

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Season Review | Bala Town vs Penybont

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Head-to-head & One to Watch| Bala Town vs Haverfordwest Head-to-head December 11th 2021 – Haverfordwest County 0-0 Bala Town - CPL October 16th 2021 – Haverfordwest County 1-3 Bala Town – JWC September 11th 2021 – Bala Town 6-2 Haverfordwest County – CPL October 31st 2020 – Haverfordwest County 1-1 Bala Town – CPL October 3rd 2020 – Bala Town 1-2 Haverfordwest County – CPL One to watch Jordan Davies: Following the completion of his loan spell from Connah’s Quay Nomads to Haverfordwest County, the Bluebirds signed the 26 year old on a permanent basis, after impressing in the second half of the season. The Forward grabbed himself six goals and an assist in eight appearances for the South Wales side, leading to his stay being extended at the Bridge Meadow Stadium for a further year. Davies has already registered his first goal of the season on Matchday 1, as he got on the end of a perfect cross from former Lakesider Henry Jones, to head home from close range to give his side an opening day victory, and will definitely look to add to his tally this afternoon.

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Phase One Fixtures | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest Cymru Premier Phase One Fixtures 2022/23 Penybont 2-0 Bala Town – Sunday 14th August 2:30pm Bala Town vs Haverfordwest County – Saturday 20th August 2:30pm Bala Town vs Newtown – Friday 26th August 7:45pm Connah’s Quay Nomads vs Bala Town – Tuesday 30th August 7:45pm Aberystwyth Town vs Bala Town – Friday 2nd September 8:00pm Bala Town vs Pontypridd Town – Saturday 10th September 2:30pm Flint Town vs Bala Town – Saturday 17th September 2:30pm Bala Town vs Cardiff Met – Saturday 24th September 2:30pm Newtown vs Bala Town – Tuesday 27th September 7:45pm Airbus UK vs Bala Town – Friday 30th September 7:45pm Bala Town vs The New Saints – Saturday 15th October 2:30pm Haverfordwest County vs Bala Town – Saturday 22nd October 2:30pm Bala Town vs Penybont – Saturday 29th October 2:30pm Bala Town vs Aberystwyth Town – Friday 4th November 7:45pm Cardiff Met vs Bala Town – Saturday 14th November 2:30pm Bala Town vs Flint Town – Friday 2nd December 7:45pm Pontypridd Town vs Bala Town – Sunday 11th December 2:30pm Bala Town vs Connah’s Quay Nomads – Friday 16th December 7:45pm Bala Town vs Airbus UK – Friday 23rd December 7:45pm Caernarfon Town vs Bala Town – Monday 26th December 2:30pm Bala Town vs Caernarfon Town – Friday 30th December 7:45pm The New Saints vs Bala Town – Saturday 7th January 2:30pm (All fixtures are subject to change)

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Previous Match | Penybont 2-0 Bala Town Opening day defeat in the scorching heat of South Wales was the story, as the Lakesiders fell to a 2-0 defeat to Penybont to kick off our Cymru Premier campaign. A double for Rhys Kavanagh in the space of five second half minutes gave the hosts a deserved victory, in a frustrating afternoon for the Town.

Bont Start The Strongest It didn’t take long for the hosts to get a foot-hold in the match, as Nathan Wood almost put his side infront early on, as he struck the inside of the post with Ramsay beat, but luckily the ball somehow stayed out and went past the opposite post.

With quarter of an hour gone, Bont had another great chance after a mistake up the field led to a counter attack, but a tame effort was easily saved

by Ramsay.

Drinks Break Needed It was a tough opening 20 minutes for the Lakesiders who struggled to get into the match, and thankfully in the blistering heat, both sides went for their designated drinks break to hydrate, which gave the Town a chance to regroup after the tough start. Following the drinks break, the Town slowly grew into the game, with some

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nice one touch football in the middle of the park, however there were no clear cut chances made.

There were calls for a penalty to the Town, after an alleged handball from a Bont defender inside the box, however the calls were waved away by the referee.

Hosts Deservedly Take The Lead Despite the Town growing into the game after the first 20 minutes of the first half, the second half started the same as the first, but this time, the hosts took their chance and took the lead.

Rhys Kavanagh got on the end of a chipped ball through, and managed to loop the ball over Ramsay with Nathan Peate attempting to clear the ball off the line, only for the clearance to hit the inside of the crossbar and into the net.

Kavanagh Double & Snaith Red Within five minutes of his first, Rhys Kavanagh grabbed his second with a well taken finish, as he got on the ball in the final third and hit a strike to Ramsay’s left hand side to double his side’s advantage.

As time ticked on, there were no signs of Bala pulling atleast one back, however our chances

Previous Match | Penybont 2-0 Bala Town increased as Bont substitute Sam Snaith was given his marching orders for an apparent elbow on Antony Kay as the pair contested a header.

Bont Hang On Despite finishing the match with 10 men, the hosts held on for the 2-0 victory, although there were late shouts for a penalty from the Town, as Lassana Mendes looked to have been brought down inside the box, only for the referee to book our Midfielder for apparent simulation and Dave Edwards also joined his fellow Midfielder for his argument against the referee’s decision.

Line-Ups: Penybont - Kelland Absalom, Mark Little, Kane Owen, Ashley Evans, Dan Jefferies, Kostya Georgievsky, Lewis Harling, Nathan Wood, Kai Whitmore, Keyon Reffell, Billy Borge Bala Town - Alex Ramsay, Ross White, Nathan Peate, Antony Kay, Oliver Southern, Ollie Shannon, Kieran Smith, Dave Edwards, Lassana Mendes, Paul Rutherford, Chris Venables Substitutes: Penybont - Rhys Kavanagh > Lewis Harling (24), Sam Snaith > Rhys Kavanagh (75), Tom Tweedy > Nathan Wood (90+2) Bala Town - George Newell > Paul Rutherford (60), James Davies > Ollie Shannon (81) Goals: Penybont - Rhys Kavanagh (58, 63) Red Cards: Sam Snaith (78) Yellow Cards: Penybont - Mark Little (90+1) Bala Town - Kieran Smith (45+1), Lassana Mendes (85), Dave Edwards (85)

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Business Advertisements | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest Bala Town are so grateful for the tremendous support which the Smithy Garage of Dyffryn Ardudwy have given the club over so many years.

We are delighted that they continue to sponsor the club’s playing shorts and last year went a huge step further when they kindly agreed to sponsor our Academy’s Head of Coaching car. This is so important for the development of our youth players and for the role which he provides to our community programmes. Smithy Garage offers a whole range of vehicle services and we would be delighted if our loyal supporters could look them up whenever there is any vehicular requirements.

Car/Van Sales - MOT’s - Servicing - Body Repairs Thank you most sincerely on behalf of us all at Maes Tegid. Long may our relationship together continue!

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Business Advertisements | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

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Business Advertisements | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

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Previous Encounter | Bala Town 0-0 Haverfordwest Stalemate for Lakesiders in South Wales The Lakesiders and the Bluebirds played out a goalless draw with points shared at the Bridge Meadow Stadium. Bala went closest to scoring only ten minutes into the game. Ollie Shannon seeing his shot cleared off the line by Jazz Richards in what was the only real highlight of a poor first-half.

Then both sides had their fair share of chances in the second-half with the hosts’ danger man Mason Jones-Thomas unable to beat Alex Ramsay on two separate occasions. While Antony Kay late effort to snatch a victory came off the bar as Bala were forced to settle for a point.

Shannon misses golden opportunity It was a bright start by the Lakesiders as we looked to push the pace and give the hosts an early setback. Some beautiful build-up play between Chris Venables, Paul Rutherford, Dave Edwards saw the ball arrive at Shannon’s feet with an empty goal to aim at. But his hesitation before firing allowed Richards to track back and clear the ball off the line.

Bala went close to breaking the deadlock again

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minutes later through Venables as he caused Lee Idzi to spill the ball in his own area. The ball crawled towards the hosts’ net, but Kyle Patten was there to hook it clear and keep the scores level.

There was little to report on for either side with half-time approaching, both managers doing everything to avoid going behind. Ben Fawcett looked most likely to give the hosts the lead in the opening half, but the striker looked a lonely figure upfront with little support around him.

Rutherford fails to make the most of a defensive mishap Following half-time, the hosts looked a lot more threatening, with Jones-Thomas given the freedom to run at our defence. Do exactly that he did, as he went close to putting the hosts ahead on several occasions.

The first of which came on the hour mark with Johnny Spittle managing to get his body in the way of the wingers’ effort as the side netting welcomed the ball.

Rutherford had an opportunity to test the Bluebirds’ goalkeeper following a poor defensive clearance, but the midfielder’s touch let him down as the chance got away from him.

Previous Encounter | Bala Town 0-0 Haverfordwest Jones-Thomas threatens for the Bluebirds

Starting Line-ups

Jones-Thomas was later able to test Ramsay for the first time as he forced the keeper to get down well with a bobbled shot from outside the area. Again, Jones-Thomas was at the forefront of another attack, he forced our shot-stopper into another great save after he managed to weave himself into the box.

Bala Town – Alex Ramsay, Sean Smith, Nathan Peate, Johnny Spittle, Antony Kay, Oliver Southern, Ollie Shannon, Kieran Smith, Paul Rutherford, Dave Edward, Chris Venables

The final opportunity though landed to Caton’s men. Kay climbing his way to meeting a Rutherford corner with a header that came off the bar!

A fair result in the end as both sides had an equal amount of opportunities to take the three points.

In what felt like a must win game, the Lakesiders will feel discouraged to leave with only a point.

Haverfordwest County – Lee Idzi, Jazz Richards, Elliott Scotcher, Alaric Jones, Dylan Rees, Daniel Williams, Kyle Patten, Kieran Lewis, Mason Jones-Thomas, Ben Fawcett Substitutions: Bala Town – Will Evans > Chris Venables (57), Steve Leslie > Kieran Smith (82) Haverfordwest County – Sisay Touray > Daniel Williams (84)

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New Signings | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest New Arrivals & Departures At Maes Tegid It’s been a rather busy summer for manager Colin Caton and his backroom team, with plenty of movement in the transfer market since the transfer window opened. We saw a large number of players depart Maes Tegid, with Will Evans being the most notable, after a superb end to the season, League Two side Newport County came swooping in to take him to full-time football down at Rodney Parade.

Anthony Stephens would also depart having had two spells at the club spanning six years, with the Defender joining fellow Cymru Premier side Flint Town. Stevo played in many memorable games for the club, including his standout performance against The New Saints in our JD Welsh Cup triumph in 2017, as we lifted the Welsh Cup for the first time in our history.

Dean Ebbe also completed his loan move from TNS, and moved back to Ireland, where he would sign for NIFL Premiership side Crusaders, after making a huge impact in the second half of the season for the Lakesiders, ultimately helping us on our way to another European journey.

Danny Walker Rice and Daniel Mullarkey would also head out the exit door following the completion of their contracts.

Jonny Spittle and Sean Smith would also depart Maes Tegid, with the defensive pair heading to Marine FC. Jonny would depart after three years as a Lakesider, making 42 league appearances, and featuring in five of our European matches.

Sean would also depart after two spells totalling up to five seasons at the club, with the defender finishing joint top of the most appearance maker in two consecutive seasons alongside former Lakesider Andrew Burns.

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The first signing of the summer would be defensive player; Ross White as he signed from A.F.C Telford following five years with The Bucks, and since joining, Ross has slotted in pretty effortlessly into the squad, featuring as a left back and centre back.

Manager Colin Caton would go in for a double swoop at Newtown, as he picked up Forward James Davies and Defender Naim Arsan, with the pair having also played together at Cefn Druids previously. Both James and Naim made

New Signings | Bala Town vs Haverfordwest

appearances in our Europa Conference League matches, and will be important players throughout the season for the Town.

Luke Wall was next through the door at Maes Tegid, signing from Merseyside club Widnes FC. The Forward came through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers, and has gone on to play for 16 different clubs, including two spells in Gibraltar for Boca Gibraltar and Lincoln Red Imps. The Englishman also featured in our Europa Conference League ties, however he was desperately unlucky not to possibly send us through to the next round, as his close range effort in extra-time against Sligo Rovers rebounded off the crossbar.

The final incoming to Maes Tegid was 25 year old George Newell, who signed from Southport FC and impressed from the off, in a friendly match against Denbigh Town, as the forward found the net twice in his first game in a Bala shirt. Newell came through the ranks at Everton, before signing for Bolton Wanderers who were then in the Championship. He has also endured a tough time with a potentially career ending injury, after suffering a horrific double compound leg fracture during his time at Southport, and is now looking to find his form in a Bala Town shirt.

Dan Clark was also promoted from the academy to the first team, with the goalkeeper having showed good potential during his matches for our Under 19’s and Reserve side last season.

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European Match Report | Bala Town vs Sligo Rovers

An outstanding victory and performance weren’t enough for the Lakesiders in Ireland as we bowed out on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate score against Sligo Rovers.

The Lakesiders headed to Ireland knowing they needed a win in order to have any chance of progressing. Colin Caton’s men achieved the victory thanks to a first-half goal by Dave Edwards sending the game into extra-time followed by penalties. The game involved a hat full of chances that could have seen Bala progress yet luck was against us as well as a superb individual performance by The Bit O’Reds’ shot-stopper Edward McGinty.

Smith stings McGinty’s palms The Lakesiders pressed to blow the tie wide open from the word go. With Sligo feeling the early pressure as a sell-out crowd cheering their side on packed out the stands. Kieran Smith looked to take advantage of some Bala possession with a shot from distance in the opening 15 minutes which was struck sweetly as it forced McGinty into pulling off a full stretch save.

Morahan misses from close range Our opposition’s first opportunity came 20 minutes in as a corner whipped into the mix was headed just past the post by Niall Morahan in a chance that went begging. The Bala backline would be there to deny most attacks Sligo threw at them in the opening half with Nathan Peate and Antony Kay making their presence known at the back. With that Aidan Keena and Max Mata both struggled to create any kind of openings for their side.

Dangerous Dave gives us the lead!

Following a period of possession for Sligo, the Lakesiders broke forward looking to cause some danger. Suddenly struck Dave Edwards. Our No19 found space in the area to get on the end of an inviting cross by Brad Bauress and direct the ball past McGinty to silence The Showgrounds. This meant that at half-time the Lakesiders deservedly led with Sligo left stunned following Edwards’ opener.

Golden opportunity for Davies

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European Match Report | Bala Town vs Sligo Rovers Following the break, Lassana Mendes had a similar opportunity to that of the first leg which he scored. The ball fell kindly on the edge of the area with space for the midfielder to strike with real intent but it was straight in the direction of the Sligo shot-stopper. Off the bench came James Davies in the second-half following an injury to Paul Rutherford. The forward was straight into the thick of the action and had the best chance of the half to double our advantage as he left a defender for dead with our summer signing through on goal but he appeared to have too much time with the goal bearing as he was unable to round the goalkeeper with the opportunity vanishing.

Another chance fell to the Lakesiders late on with a possibility to leave our opponents no time to respond as a late effort by Kay was denied once again by the Man of the Match, McGinty.

space to break and play in Edwards for a free shot on goal with his strike straight at McGinty in net.

Extra-time sees Bala blast the bar, twice!

Towards a packed-out home end, the captain, Venables stood up to take the first of our five penalties. With all the confidence in the world, he blasted the ball past McGinty who had no chance in net. David Cawley was first to take for Sligo and he effortlessly found the target to bring the scores level. It would be our third penalty to be the first to not be converted as Jonny Spittle’s shot was matched with a brilliant save by the man of the

Luke Wall was on for his competitive debut ahead of extra-time and made a strong first impression when he delivered a brilliant ball into the box from a free-kick with a looping header going over the goalkeeper and only just cleared away by the Sligo defence. Two minutes later another chance fell for the Lakesiders as this time Venables found

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The Bit O’Reds had an opportunity late in the first-half of extra-time as the Bala backline somehow managed to prevent the ball creeping in goalwards following a scramble in the box.

With ten minutes of extra-time remaining a goal looked destined as Venables struck the bar with a header and the follow-up from less than five yards out thumping the woodwork once more this time

by Wall who was in disbelief at how the ball hadn’t crossed the line. Following a frantic extra 30 minutes, Bala were unable to take advantage of these crucial chances with our second qualifying round hopes resting on penalties.

Painful penalties heartbreak for the Lakesiders

European Match Report | Bala Town vs Sligo Rovers moment in goal. John Russell’s men would go on to convert their next couple of penalties as well as Kay leaving Wall needing to convert to keep our hopes alive.

The story of the tie will be how Bala hadn’t won the round in normal or extra-time at The Showgrounds, yet Sligo will have one man to thank for that, Edward McGinty.

However, it wasn’t to be as the heroic McGinty pulled out all the stops to prevent us from reaching the next round with another special save to send Sligo through.

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BALA TOWN Manager: Colin Caton Alex Ramsay Harri Lloyd Dan Clark

HAVERFORDWEST Manager: Tony Pennock Lewis Brass Jazz Richards Rhys Abbruzzese

Ross White

Elliot Scotcher

Antony Kay

Dylan Rees (C)

Nathan Peate

Kyle Patten

Naim Arsan

Ricky Watts

Oliver Southern

Corey Shephard

Calum Woods

Ben Fawcett

Kieran Smith

Henry Jones

Lassana Mendes

Jordan Davies

Dave Edwards

Josh Legrice

Ollie Shannon

Jamie Veale

Brad Bauress

Lee Jenkins

Chris Venables (C) Luke Wall James Davies

Ryan George Jack Wilson Ioan Evans

Paul Rutherford

Daniel James

George Newell

Lucas Davies Zac Jones Iori Humphreys