Ulster vs. Warriors Preview

By Dai
October 16 2003

The Celtic Warriors will be hoping to get back to winning ways after three consecutive defeats when they take on Ulster on Friday night. For team news plus details of injuries read on.

Ulster vs. Warriors

Friday 17th October

Ravenhill

Kick off 19.30

The injury hit Celtic Warriors face a tough test at Ravenhill where they will take on Munster on Friday night. The Warriors will be hoping to bounce back after three consecutive defeats and have named a changed team to that which lost by 32 - 22 against Neath Swansea Ospreys. Jonny Bryant returns to the inside centre position with Matthew Nuthall moving to the bench and Alan Chiltern, formerly of Caerphilly and Newcastle takes over from Paul John at scrum half. In the forwards, Matthew Rees makes a start in place of Andrew Joy and Cory Harris comes back into the team after being dropped for last weekends game.

Better news for the Warriors is that Dafydd James will make his return very shortly after a long spell out with a shoulder injury.

Also, Celtic Warriors pair Shaun James and Emyr Lewis are understood to have left Pontypridd after they went into administration. Lewis and James were the only two full time players left at the club and it is understood that James will now play for Bridgend when the Warriors internationals return and Emyr Lewis may also follow him although he is currently considering his options.

Celtic Warriors Starting XV: E Lewis; G Wyatt, S James, J Bryant, R Mustoe; N Jenkins, A Chiltern; P Booth, M Rees, C Horsman, D Jones, N Budgett, R Parks, R Bryan (capt), C Harris.

Reps: G Morris, AN Other, R Jones, M Lewis, P John, M Nuthall, G Cull.

Ulster Starting XV: B Cunningham; S Young, S Mallon, S Stewart, T Howe; A Larkin, K Campbell; R McCormack, P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, M McCullough, A Ward (capt), N Best, T McWhirter.

Reps: B Young, M Sexton, R Frost, R Wilson, R Spee, R Constable, J Topping.