The focus for Ponty over the next few weeks will be on opposition from the Gwent area, as the Newport trip is followed on successive weekends by a home tie against Bedwas and another away fixture at Ebbw Vale. As the run in to the end of the current campaign gathers pace, the results of these three games will have a significant bearing on Ponty’s ultimate achievement in the league.
Ponty are placed fourth in the table on 47pts, and will take on a Newport team who are in an unfamiliar looking tenth position, ten points adrift of Pontypridd. As Head Coach Paul John is fully aware, such statistics count for little as his team prepare for a visit to a venue which has traditionally been a difficult one.
“It will be a tough challenge for us at Rodney Parade,” said John, “as Newport are a physical side who will pose us plenty of problems. We have put together some good results over the past month, and need to keep the momentum going now after last week’s break. The Newport result will be an important one for us if we want to keep on course for a good league finish this season.”
For the trip to Rodney Parade, Ponty will be without the services of a number of players due to international call-ups and injury. Scrum half Rhys Downes and hooker Rhys Williams are both involved with the Wales U18 squad, the latter having the honour of captaining the side. Out injured are winger Gavin Close with knee damage, and flankers Lee Evans and Rhys Shellard with shoulder and calf strains respectively.
Lock Chris Martenko continues his rehabilitation from a long term shoulder injury by making his first league start since rejoining Pontypridd, whilst prop Sam Hobbs returns from Wales U20 duties to take a place on the bench. Back in the starting line up for Ponty, taking up one of the wing positions is senior Blues squad member Tom Riley, whilst outside half Gareth McCarthy also returns from injury.
Pontypridd have named an extended bench list due to some doubts over injury and availability.
Pontypridd
15. Matthew Hutchings
14. Chris Clayton
13. Gavin Dacey
12. Adam Thomas
11. Tom Riley
10. Gareth McCarthy
9. Andrew Jenkins
1.Stuart Williams
2. Duane Goodfield
3. Ryan Harford
4. Chris Martenko
5. Chris Dicomidis
6. Geraint Lewis
7. Wayne O’Connor
8. Nathan Strong (Capt)
Replacements (from)
Paul Matthews
Neil Burnett
Kristian Baller
Lawrence Price
Sam Hobbs
Leighton Davies
Ryan Savage
Grant Harrington
Sam Studley
