However, the message coming out of the camp this week as Ponty prepare to host Newport at Sardis Road on Saturday October 20th, is a simple but emphatic one – don’t panic!
Whilst Pontypridd have slipped down the snake to eighth position in the table, their opponents Newport have steadily ascended the league ladder, having won their last two games, away at Swansea and home to Maesteg, thus leapfrogging Ponty to fifth place.
Having carefully analysed the defeat away at Aberavon last weekend, and having put in some hard graft shifts with the squad in the meantime, Pontypridd Senior Coach Paul John is optimistic that a turnaround in the club’s fortunes is imminent.
“We’re looking forward to the Newport game” commented John “and looking forward to the opportunity of putting in a full performance.
“This team is capable of achieving a lot, and we have been working hard to ensure that this coming Saturday, we can put that to the proof. The boys have shown a great attitude in training, which we need to carry into the Newport game.”
There are six changes made altogether from the Ponty line up that lost at Aberavon, utilising the strength in depth of the squad, and of players returning to full fitness. A new centre partnership will see senior Blue Tom Riley linking with young Ynysybwl product Adam Thomas, with Chris Clayton making a belated return from injury and illness on the wing.
Amongst the forwards, Ryan Harford is given a start at tight head prop, packing down with captain for the day, hooker Duane Goodfield. An experienced back row combination has been named of Lee Evans, a first full start of the season for Wayne O’Connor, and Geraint Lewis.
Pontypridd:
15. Matthew Hutchings
14. Kristian Baller
13. Tom Riley
12. Adam Thomas
11. Chris Clayton
10. Dai Flanagan
9.Andrew Jenkins
1. Ian Poley
2. Duane Goodfield (Capt)
3. Ryan Harford
4. Ryan Savage
5. Chris Dicomidis
6. Lee Evans
7. Wayne O’Connor
8. Geraint Lewis
Replacements:
Gavin Dacey
Rhys Downes
Nick Eaves
Sam Hobbs
Leighton Davies
Nathan Strong
Rhys Shellard
