SO eager to make an impact in their first crack at Welsh club rugby's top flight, Tonmawr head coach Jason Hyatt called in the army.

Tonmawr begin life in the Welsh Premiership tomorrow with Aberavon heading to the Whitworth Ground (2.30).

And Hyatt insists his side are not targeting consolidation — more so the aim of "bringing something to the party".

In what promises to be one of the club's biggest games, he is anticipating a real tussle with the Wizards.

"The club have really worked hard — on and off the pitch — to ensure we are now in the Welsh Premiership," said Hyatt.

"The players have believed in what we wanted to do as a club and everyone behind the scenes down to the junior section have all contributed.

"Now we are here, and we really want to bring something to the party — it's not about consolidating.

"Of course, the carrot for us is playing the likes of Neath, Llanelli and Swansea. But we want to ensure we come out of this with credit.

"We are in great shape for tomorrow — the training camp with the army certainly helped us maximise our mental and physical strengths.

"I'm expecting a massive turnout for this game — we couldn't have asked for a better start than Aberavon coming here."

Aberavon will be without new captain Chris Davies.

The flanker has been passed the armband from Ian Moore, but is set to miss the first few weeks of the season after undergoing groin surgery this summer.

Head coach Simon King will also be missing as he is in South Africa on a school rugby trip, leaving assistant Nicky Lloyd in charge of team affairs.

"I think we've had a really good pre-season, but you can never tell until you get that first game out of the way," said Lloyd. "It's never easy going to Tonmawr at any stage of the season.

"Jason Hyatt had a very good playing career and he's a very knowledgeable coach.

"Tonmawr have done well over the last couple of years and they're going to be hardened side because you have to battle to get out of division one.

"We're not underestimating them. In the cup last year they knocked out a number of Premiership sides so they have the ability.

"They'll be physical up front, but they've also got some quality behind."

Lloyd added: "We've been in the top five for the last two seasons, and this season we're looking at the top three and we want a good cup run too. I believe we can beat anyone on our day."

Tonmawr: W. Davies; K. James, D. Richie, W. Mitchell, T. Selley; L. Richards, J. Donovan; O. Ford, D. Harvey, J. Rees, J. Griffiths, B. Davies, A. Gwyne, R. Hill (capt), C. Price: Reps: I. Dobbs, M. Jeffries, L. Purnell, D. Baker, D. Hockin, D. Flanagan, S. Andrews.

Aberavon: TBC