ROSS Wardle is set to return after seven months on the sidelines in Bedwas’ Principality Premiership Tier One clash with Merthyr at Bridge Field tomorrow (kick-off midday), writes Chris Kirwan.

The centre/wing has been out since rupturing knee ligaments for Newport Gwent Dragons in the Singha Premiership 7s at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in July.

The 25-year-old brought an early end to his professional contract to concentrate on his career as a pharmacist and in January returned to Bedwas, where he first caught the eye of the Dragons management to earn a full-time deal.

Wardle will be on the bench for a swift reunion with Merthyr as Steve Law’s side bid for revenge after being beaten in the WRU National Cup by the Ironmen last weekend.

The visitors took the spoils 25-14 in a hard-fought battle at Bridge Field to make it 1-1 after Bedwas won the first Premiership meeting at the Wern 37-19.

Law’s men were second when the January split took place and have started the ‘new’ season with victories at Ebbw Vale and Carmarthen Quins, the latter with a bonus point, to lead the way and give themselves a great shot at play-off rugby.

“Whatever competition, whether Tier One, Tier Two, Tier 28, it’s beneficial to start well,” said head coach Law. “It takes a bit of the pressure off but we won’t be complacent.

“We are still really positive even with the setback last week; we played well but just didn’t take our opportunities.

“It’s going to be another big challenge because of the personnel that Merthyr have and the depth to their squad but the boys will be up for it.

“We will have to play the conditions and the heavy field well while we have to be better at the set piece and have the same endeavour.”

James Thomas starts in the back row while his Dragons teammate Darran Harris will cover hooker from the bench.

Meanwhile, Bedwas’ Foster’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Bridgend on Saturday, March 11 (kick-off 2.30pm) will now be played at the Ravens’ Brewery Field rather than Cross Keys’ Pandy Park.