Whilst Ponty have been away, newly promoted Ebbw Vale have forged to the top of the Premiership table.
Ponty will be keen to regain the momentum lost since they last played a league fixture, winning away at Aberavon on 4th October.
Bedwas come into the match having secured a dominant 29-16 home win over Newport the previous Saturday, a result that has lifted them to a respectable fifth place in the league rankings.
Whilst games between the clubs have always been competitive, Pontypridd have history on their side in getting the better of the results, and last season having completed the double over Bedwas, by 42-31 at home and 15-34 away.
Ponty recall full back Geraint Walsh from senior regional duties and winger Lewis I Williams from work commitments to take their place in a new look back line, where Lewis K Williams is given a start in the outside half position.
Former Ponty Youth and current Blues Academy back rower Jack Davies steps into the starting XV as Dan Godfrey and Owen Sheppeard still struggle to recover from hamstring and knee strains respectively. Flanker Jake Thomas makes a welcome return from long term injury to take a place on the bench.
Bedwas make the short trip to Sardis Road in good heart following an excellent win over Gwent rivals Newport last Saturday.
Head Coach Steve Law was delighted with the win. ‘I was delighted with the way we played last week – the boys put in a good performance and deservedly came away with the spoils.”
Law is undaunted by the task which lies ahead. “We are looking forward to the game against the side that are deservedly billed the best club side in Wales. It is never an easy task at Sardis Road, but I am hopeful my team will give a good account of themselves,”he added.
The side shows a few changes from last time out. Stephen Taylor comes for his debut having recovered from injury and takes over the right wing berth from Rory Budina who moves to the left flank in place of Mathew John who drops to the bench. Richard Powell retains his starting position at outside half as he and Jack Maynard swap bench for a starting berth.
Up front Dan Crimmins comes in at Number 8 with Phill Rees reverting to lock forward. Alwyn Lee and James Sawyer take up the other back row positions with Josh Walker partnering Rees. The starting front row remains unchanged.
Pontypridd 15.Geraint Walsh. 14.Lewis I Williams. 13.Aled Summerhill. 12.Gavin Dacey – cpt. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Lewis K Williams. 9.Tom Williams; 1.Chris Phillips. 2.Aled Morris. 3.Dillon Lewis. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Jordan Sieniawski. 6.Wayne O’Connor. 7.Rhys Shellard . 8.Jack Davies.
Replacements: 16.Lloyd Williams. 17.Simon Humberstone. 18.Dafydd Lockyer. 19.Huw Dowden. 20.Jake Thomas. 21.James Howe. 22.Keiron Jenkins
Bedwas: 15. Harley Thomson, 14. Stephen Taylor, 13. Mike Callow, 12. Arron Pinches, 11. Rory Budina, 10. Richard Powell, 9. Luke Crane, 1. Brynley Toms, 2. Alun Rees, 3.Mathew Pettit, 4. Phill Rees, 5. Josh Walker, 6. Alwyn Lee, 7. James Sawyer, 8. Dan Crimmins.
Replacements:
16. Rhys Hutcherson, 17. Ian Jenkins, 18. Joe Mills, 19. James Richards, 20. Josh Hayward, 21. Joe Smith, 22, Jack Maynard, 23. Mathew John
