Ponty recorded an emphatic home win over the Ravens in the Konica Minolta Cup quarter finals on 5th April, but seven days later went down to a heavy defeat in the league against the same opponents on their own patch. As Ponty play hosts once more to Bridgend in a Principality Premiership tie on Wednesday (April 16th, kick-off 7:15pm), the victors will claim the bragging rights from the series.
Pontypridd, having slipped to sixth position in the table, will be eager to claim that win to regain lost ground and to set up their final home game of the season against Maesteg on Saturday.
A number of injuries have hit the squad, with centre Gavin Dacey the latest casualty with a groin strain. Already sidelined were scrum half Rhys Downes (leg) and prop Ryan Harford (thumb). Another of Ponty’s front rowers, prop Sam Hobbs, is unavailable due to training commitments with the Wales U20 squad.
Welcomed back to the fold however is Blues centre Tom Riley, back from a stint with the Wales Sevens squad, and with prop Stuart Williams back from holiday and hooker Rhys Williams back from injury.
Pontypridd: Lawrence Price; Trystan Lazarus, Tom Riley, Adam Thomas, Chris Clayton; Gareth McCarthy, Andrew Jenkins; Stuart Williams, Rhys Williams, Ian Poley, Chris Martenko, Ryan Savage, Lee Evans, Rhys Shellard, Nathan Strong (Capt)
Replacements: Jason Pocock, Matthew Hutchings, Kristian Baller, Owen Cotton, Leighton Davies, Grant Harrington, Wayne O’Connor
