Bridgend to kick-off their season

Reigning Welsh Champions, Bridgend Blue Bulls play their first game of the 2012 Welsh Conference Premier season on Saturday when they welcome the Cardiff Demons to their Porthcawl RFC home (kick-off 2pm).

Player/coach Craig Fox has named himself on the bench for the match and if he comes on, he will be the only player to have represented the Bulls in all ten seasons since they began in 2003.

Ten of players who took part in last season’s Welsh Grand Final are included in the team, including Wales Dragonhearts captain Gareth Howells and club stalwart Gareth David. New recruits for Bridgend include former Harlequins RL forward Ken Dowding who has been playing union for Bridgend Ravens and Ospreys, while Dan Shore returns to the team for the first time since 2005.

After a difficult season last year, the Demons are looking strong and had a big win over the Titans a fortnight ago (pictured). They have recruited well and have picked up a number of players who were with Torfaen Tigers last year.

Ahead of the game, Demons coach Idris Evans said: “This is a big game for the Demons. Having comprehensively beaten the Titans two weeks ago, we’ve been building to this game with the intention of getting on the park and giving it our all for 80 minutes. We were quite disappointed last year not to have played the Blue Bulls due to the shortage of players we had, but this year we’re looking strong and have loads of boys available to choose from.”

Fans are advised to get to ground early as the Olympic  Torch relay is coming through Bridgend and roads may be busy or blocked off.