Hyatt’s men enjoyed a perfect build-up to the new season, including a win over the Cornish Pirates and triumphs over Neath and Bridgend in qualifying for the B&I Cup, but they had to wait for the third round of the Premier League before posting their first win of the season.
The bonus point win at Bedwas in round three was just the tonic the Wizards needed to towards the home game with Ponty and next week’s meeting with Ulster A at the Talbot Athletic Ground in the B&I Cup.
“Pontypridd were semi-finalists in the B&I Cup last year and proved there are teams in Wales capable of mixing it with the fully professional sides from England and Ireland in the tournament. That’s why we are really looking forward to facing Ponty this weekend,” said Hyatt.
“We had a great game against last time we met and we want to ensure we can build on the win at Bedwas with another good performance. As a squad, all the players wanted to compete in the B&I Cup again this season and that’s why everyone was so delighted to have beaten Neath and Bridgend in the qualifying rounds.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better game than the one against Ponty to prepare for the clash with Ulster A. They’ve started as well as ever and will arrive as the standard bearers for the Premiership.”
Hyatt was delighted with the first hour at Bedwas last week, when his side raced into a 31-10 lead, but was left biting his fingernails last the end as the home side conjured up two near length of the field tries to dramatically cut the gap.
“Bedwas is always a tough place to go to get a result and their two tries at the end were magnificent scores. They showed just how much the Premiership has come on in recent years in terms of skill and conditioning,” said Hyatt.
“We have learned a lot about our strengths and weaknesses in the first three rounds of matches and we are looking to move further forward this weekend.”
While seasoned campaigners like club captain Ian Moore, scrum half Dai Pritchard and outside half Ceirion
Thomas provide a solid backbone of experience in the side, Hyatt has been greatly impressed by the impact made by newcomers Kristian Corbisiero and Wales Under 18 duo, Morgan Williams and Joe Gage.
Another star performer to date has been last year’s Wales Under 20 prop Nicky Thomas, who is using every minute he can get on the pitch to push his claims for regular place in the Ospreys team.
“Kristian came to us from Penclawdd and has really impressed with his pace. He has also worked hard on his conditioning and picked up a few tries already,” added Hyatt.
“It has been a pleasure working with Morgan, Nicky and Joe as young professionals in the making. Their attitude to both training and playing has been superb and they all look to have big careers ahead of them.”
Principality Premiership Round 4
Aberavon v Pontypridd
Bedwas v Carmarthen Quins
Bridgend v Newport
Cross Keys v Ebbw Vale
Llandovery v Cardiff
Llanelli v Neath
