The Chief Plans To Repay Fans

The Valley Commandoes take on Neath in a mouth-watering quarter-final at the Gnoll on Saturday, and McIntosh says some silverware would be a just reward for the club’s loyal supporters.

“This Cup run is testament to our supporters,” the big forward said. “As players, we have the easiest job in the world – we just go out there and play – but when every penny counts, it’s the people putting in 50 a month who really matter. “They’re fans who don’t want to see this club fold, and they deserve success.”

McIntosh admits his side face a huge task against the in-form Welsh All Blacks. “You have to say that if both sides play their A games, Neath will win because there is no replacement for the experience they have.

“This is the hardest season I’ve had for Pontypridd – both mentally because of the money troubles and physically – but we’re keen to keep up our history in the Cup.

“We respect the fact that our wage structure isn’t on a par with other clubs, but we have youth players in abundance. We had training last Saturday – just for the forwards – and we had 26 players there.

“Everyone’s keen to be part of the Cup experience – it certainly has lost any of its passion – and the prospect of playing at the Millennium Stadium is a huge bonus.”

McIntosh played in Pontypridd’s 29-22 Cup final win over Neath in 1996, which has bittersweet memories for Welsh All Blacks scrum-half Patrick Horgan.

“I remember scoring two tries that day and thinking ‘I’m up for man of the match here’, but then I missed about six shots at goal and Neil Jenkins kept us pinned back before they pinched the win.

“Pontypridd have a lot of young players, who play with a lot of excitement, and they don’t have Jenks!

“It’s good to be at home, but I don’t think it’s as important as it used to be. Our form away is better than our form at the Gnoll this season.”

Konica Minolta Cup quarter-final draw:
Saturday: Caerphilly v Swansea, Cross Keys v Aberavon, Neath v Pontypridd
Sunday: Brynmawr v Bridgend