Automatic qualification for next year’s British & Irish Cup goes with that fourth spot in the Premiership – a target that remains very much in Ponty’s sights. Llanelli currently claim that position, just one point ahead of Pontypridd.
The equation is simple, a home win for Ponty will see them fulfil their aim. The practicality is anything but simple for a squad which has endured a torrid run of games over the past few weeks, with injuries, suspensions and absenteeism taking their toll.
Team manager Richard Langmead has a clear vision of what is required. “This will be a massive occasion for us” said Langmead of the Llanelli game. “We need to put the disappointment of our cup defeat last Saturday firmly behind us, and give a big performance for the club and its supporters.
“The whole squad knows that we let everyone down in the cup semi final, and that the fantastic support we had at Bridgend deserved better. There is only one place where we can put things right, and that is on the pitch”.
Pontypridd call upon the services of Blues Academy and Wales under 18 lock Cory Hill, a local boy making his senior debut for the club, with Glamorgan Wanderers prop Nathan Trevett also drafted in following the suspension of Ken Knaggs.
Pontypridd v Llanelli: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Adam Thomas. 12.Gary Williams. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Jon Williams. 2.Kristian Dacey. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Cory Hill. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Wayne O’Connor. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Chris Dicomidis.
Subs: Gavin Morris; Matthew Hutchings; Chris Clayton; Tom Hetherington; Rhys Lloyd; Grant Harrington; Nathan Trevett.
