Sam Warburton’s old alma mater have had a torrid time of it this season so far and have lost three of their back line and two key forwards to major injuries. They also lost head coach David Griffiths recently, when he stepped down for business reasons.
It means that the former Wales Under 21, Cross Keys and Glamorgan Wanderers head coach Steve Williams has stepped back into the breach to look after the forwards with WRU Development Officer Zeb Aporro taking over all control of the coaching.
A former Wairarapa Bush half-back, Aporro was an exchange student at Whitchurch HS during his school days. He returned to Cardiff two years ago and has been working at his old school for last two seasons.
With only one win in five games so far this season, the battle against a Gower College side that has yet to win is a massive game in the context of the new arrangements this season with relegation from the top flight in play for the first time.
“Like us, Gower have suffered from injuries and this game will be about which team can apply the pressure and keep it on. It will be interesting to see which team cracks first,” said Williams.
“We’ve had lots of possession in our games to date, but probably haven’t done enough with it. I’d like to see us playing a bit more territory, getting the ball in the right areas and mounting pressure on the opposition in a few different ways.
“It really is a battle for us at the moment with the number of injuries we’ve suffered so far. It gives opportunities to other players, but at this level you need your best talent on the field to ensure you can compete.”
Welsh Schools & Colleges League – Round 6
Tuesday, 17 October
Whitchurch HS v Gower College (Glamorgan Wanderers – 7.00pm)
Wednesday, 18 October
Coleg Gwent v Cardiff & Vale College
Coleg Llandrillo v Neath Port Talbot College
Newport HS v Llandovery College
Ysgol Glantaf v Bridgend College
Tuesday Teams
Whitchurch HS: James Legg; Sam Gasston, Owen Walrond, Will Young, Ruari O’Flynn; Nat Ahmed, Morgan James; KC Kelly, Harry Boxall, John Woodward, Nathan Crothers, Ashley Power, Nathan Williams, George Riley, Emyr Jones
Reps: Will Dungey, Luke Friston, Ethan Cowan, Ewan John, Christ Tshiunza, Morgan Oliver, Harri Hill, Matt Bennett, Ollie James
Gower College: Iwan Richards; Bradley Denty, Ben Cambriani, Max Jones, Luke Butler; Sam Cambriani, Liam Seaward; Morgan Griffiths, Ollie Quick, Scott Hill, Rhys Laugharne, James Fender, Dan Pritchard, Evan Budge, Sam Hyde
Reps: Rhys Thomas, Rhys Williams, Kieran Hughes, Kuba Malecki, Fergus Kneath, Dylan Hughes, Tom Langden, Danny Thomas
