Ponty began the series of tough fixtures with a creditable draw against Llanelli at Stradey Park last weekend, albeit in a game that reports suggest they should have won.
Frustrated Head Coach Paul John said, “Having played well enough to have got the win, in some ways it felt as if we’d lost, being disappointed with the result, but then again we were well pleased with the performance and that will give us confidence going into the next game.”
It gets no easier for Ponty, though, against an Ebbw side who followed up their victory over Neath three weeks ago with two more victories, most recently a 12-9 triumph over fellow pace setters Cardiff.
John added: “They have a big pack, are efficient in the set-pieces and have plenty of attacking options behind. The next two weeks will be interesting and we need to thrive on these big games coming up.”
Principality Premiership leaders Neath are at home again, this time against Cross Keys and the Welsh All Blacks will be looking for another bonus-point win after thumping Bedwas 34-13 last weekend.Â
Keys meanwhile, struggled to a 10-10 draw at Maesteg and will have to make stark improvements if they are going to get anything from this game.
After two consecutive losses Cardiff will be keen to put their season back on track and have the opportunity to do so when old rivals Newport come to the Arms Park.
Cardiff include new signing Gareth Chapman, who lines up at centre, while the former Cross Keys and Dragons man is joined in the three-quarters by Grant Epton who plays his second game since joining the club.
At the other end of the table, there are important points to be gained as the bottom four clubs all face each other.
Basement boys Maesteg will be looking to go one better than their draw last week when they travel to Llandovery to face the team one place above them while Bridgend, who finally broke their duck against the Drovers last weekend, will be eyeing another success when they travel to St Helen’s to face fellow strugglers Swansea.
It will be an emotional day at Bedwas where the visitors Llanelli will pull on their famous Scarlet jersey for the first time since the passing of club stalwart Ray Gravell. Llanelli include new Scarlets signing Ben Broster at tight head prop and welcome the return of openside flanker Jonathan Thomas who has also been on regional duty.
Aberavon and Glamorgan Wanderers, both fresh from wins last weekend, meet at the Talbot Athletic Ground. Wanderers have made seven changes for the trip including giving starts to half back pairing Harry Trelawney and Mark Roper.
