The Welsh All Blacks lost their opening game in Pool A at Llanelli, 14-8, and have been getting closer to recording that all-important first triumph as the season has worn on. But the bare facts of the season don’t make great reading so far with 10 straight defeats in the Principality Premiership to add to the loss at Parc y Scarlets.
Llandovery, who are only two points off the top of the Premiership table in third place behind Pontypridd and Cross Keys, wee 26-18 home winner over Neath on 30 October. They kicked-off their Challenge Cup campaign with a 22-22 draw with Carmarthen Quins at Church Bank.
Cardiff kicked-off with a win at the Brewery Field as they beat Bridgend Ravens 16-10 in a game in which home back row man Adam O’Driscoll was sent-off. The Blue and Blacks saw former Wales Under 20 centre Luke Ford score his fourth try since returning to the club in that win and he is partnered by Nicky Griffiths for the visit of Aberavon. The game will give Cardiff coach Simon King the chance to put one over on one of his old clubs.
The Wizards beat Cardiff 26-12 at the Talbot Atheltic Ground on the opening day of the Premiership season.
Bridgend, meanwhile, travel to Sardis Road, where they were beaten 50-0 on the opening day of the season.
However, things have looked up for the Ravens since then, winning four straight game and they gained ample revenge on the champions when they turned the tables on the Premiership champions with a bonus-point, 30-12 triumph over them at the end of last month.
That win made it four in a row for Mike Hook’s men, but the narrow reverse against Cardiff in the Challenge Cup put an end to their winning run.
Saturday’s match is Pontypridd’s first in the competition with last weekend’s fixture at Aberavon called off due to a waterlogged pitch. A number of players are drafted in on permit to bolster the Pontypridd squad, with youngsters from neighbouring clubs given a chance to impress.
Outside half Troy Cusack from Llantwit Fardre and scrum half Dane Blacker from Coleg y Cymoedd will form a new partnership, with hooker Ben Lee from Llantwit, and props Mitchell Auger from Bedwas and Jordan Grass from the University of South Wales amongst the replacements.
Foster’s Challenge Cup Round 2 Fixtures:
Pontypridd v Bridgend
Neath v Llandovery
Cardiff v Aberavon
Wednesday 18 November
Carmarthen 38-18 Llanelli
Bedwas 22-16 Cross Keys
Ebbw Vale 48-6 Newport
