The one player who has developed into something of an icon amongst the squad is club captain Nathan Strong, who himself carries a resolute conviction that there is much still to come from Pontypridd RFC in the second half of the season.
The first priority for Nathan will be to gee up his fellow players and overcome the obvious disappointment of the Cardiff result and performance.
“We’re all naturally feeling down after the Cardiff game,” said Strong, “as we feel that we let ourselves down, and also everybody associated with the club, the supporters in particular. We were playing in front of a big crowd and the live TV cameras, and we didn’t perform. No one feels more gutted than the players themselves, but we know that we can bounce back in the new year.”
Despite slipping into a mid-table position in the Principality Premiership, Strong is certain that the competition is not a lost cause.
“We still have a chance in the league as it is very competitive and open, and with other teams likely to lose games a margin of twelve points to claw back is not impossible”, said Strong.
“There are eight or so teams who can challenge for the title, all teams have been beatable, and if we at Ponty can string together a good run of results, we can jump back towards the top of the table.”
A good run in the league during January could also set Pontypridd up for their crucial Konica Minolta Cup tie away at Llanelli at the end of the month, which according to Strong is a trophy which the club dearly want to win.
“We have a big tradition in the cup, and it was a very proud moment for me when I captained Pontypridd to victory in the cup two years ago and lifted the trophy. It will be a tough tie down at Llanelli, who themselves have a good pedigree in the competition, but we have plenty in our armoury to go down to Stradey and get a result.”
The one thing of which Nathan Strong is certain is of making the right decision to stay at Pontypridd, as club captain, this season.
“I wish to play for no other club but Ponty” said Strong, “it was not a difficult decision to stay. The club is well run, there is a good back up staff, and an excellent support.
“Having spent two seasons as vice captain I gained a lot of experience. I see it as my natural role to lead and to give 100% as an example to the other players. There is a strong squad here at Ponty, which is well utilised, and the players and coaches have a good rapport.
“I’m honoured to be involved as captain in such a set-up, and I’m convinced that we can progress into 2008 with confidence, and with the ability to achieve success.”
