By Lestyn (23/04/03)
April 26 2003

Kevin Morgan completed a somewhat surprising move to the new East Glamorgan Province today. Surprising considering Bridgend and Ponty already have three quite affective full backs and Morgan's long term injury.

But We all know Lynn Howell's wants to bring back as many former Ponty players lured away by the big money clubs. The full backs form has been exceptional, considering how bad Swansea have been over the last few seasons. Lyn Jones at the West Glamorgan must be gutted to lose Morgan, even before he's played a game, I think it would be sensible if He moved for the Neath produced Gareth Cull to fill the full back spot. Currently he's got the choice between Gareth Morris or Adrian Durston, but neither have particularly impressed. Durston is better off in the centre as He showed last night, with some great runs from midfield.

Ah-Well Thomas showed some classy touches in attack for Swansea in what was affectively a regional trial, but as always he was quick to make some hideous defensive errors. But is Jarvis any better? He's had a poor season for the all blacks (note Celtic league final), Gavin Henson gets my vote, but the biggest area of concern is who's going to partner him? Andy Moore can't go on forever that's for sure, Rhodri Jones isn't up to it as a first choice, but one player who impressed last night was Patrick Horgan for Neath, and given his chance could form a solid partnership for the Black Jacks.

Mark Taylor is an international quality player, even if he has faded a little over the last few seasons a little. It was tough leaving James Storey out, but I feel he's massively under achieved this season, Durston (as mentioned above) could given more ball be a very dangerous runner indeed. Thinking back to the Welsh development tour to Japan, Durston was one of the players to impress greatly after a fine season for Bridgend partnering Jon Devereux in the centre. Could Taylor be the solid centre partner He need's? Wing wise the side is a bit thin. Shane Williams still needs to bulk up, but his pace is invaluable. Johnny Vauhngton is a player with a big future ahead of him, when given opportunities this season he's been one of the best wingers in Wales, notably in the Whites win over Neath in December last year.

My West Glamorgan Back line

15.Gareth Cull, 14.Johnny Vaughton, 13.Mark Taylor, 12.Adrian Durston, 11.Shane Williams, 10.Gavin Henson, 9.Patrick Horgan

It was plain to see last night how Neath's forwards completely dominated Swansea's. But the Jack's number make shift number eight Jonathan Thomas impressed along with Richie Pugh. James Bater not present last night has guaranteed himself a place in the team, due to the lack of quality number 8's in Wales. Steve Tandy gets the open side role ahead of Brett Sinkinson, for his mobility. Colin Charvis if he does decide to sign, should captain the side, even if he hasn't done the greatest job for Wales in that role.

Charvis is currently working with the Welsh fitness coach Andrew Hore on a one on one basis, and hopefully a break should do him some good. Nathan Bonner-Evans is a dead certainty to sign for the Cardiff side at the moment, not to forget Hywel Jenkins who deserves a place on the bench In the second row Gareth Llewellyn can't go on forever, and in an Andy Moore-like scenario Andy Newman should start instead of him, Jonathan Thomas is the only real option to partner him. The front row is slightly limited, now Darren Morris is odds on to sign for Cardiff or Gwent. Barry Williams is the obvious choice at Hooker backed up by promising Huw Bennett who almost made the Wales squad due to the shortage in that position. Duncan Jones and Adam Jones backed up by Wales under 21 captain Paul James.

My West Glamorgan Pack

1.Duncan Jones, 2.Barry Williams, 3.Adam Jones, 4.Andy Newman, 5.Jonathan Thomas, 6.Colin Charvis, 7.Steve Tandy, 8.James Bater

The regional coaches should name their squads for next season next week.