Awaiting Ponty on Saturday December 29 is a home tie against old rivals Cardiff, but any consideration as to the merits of that traditional festive fixture must, like the Christmas left-overs, be put on the back burner, as first up is an away game at Glamorgan Wanderers on Saturday December 22nd.
The Wanderers are arguably the surprise package of the season, having assembled a squad potently mixing experience with a quota of Blues Academy youngsters, and able to take on and beat the best in the division. Wins away at Swansea and at home to table toppers Ebbw Vale in their last two outings are testimony to their ability. The Ely based club now lie in fourth position in the Premiership, one place and three points ahead of Pontypridd. Clearly there is much to play for as both sides go head to head on Saturday.
The Ponty squad are still beset by a series of niggling injuries, casting some doubt over the team selection, and resulting in a number of “either or” options on the bench for the Wanderers game. Fullback Matthew Hutchings is hoping to pass a late fitness test on a recent back strain, and centre Gavin Dacey still struggling to shake off a groin injury. Hooker Duane Goodfield has suffered a thumb injury, and with fellow hooker Rhys Williams still recovering from surgery on his foot, may have to stand by as cover on the bench.
Youngster Trystan Lazarus is rewarded for his try scoring debut for Ponty against Ammanford in the cup by being given a starting place on the wing, with back five forwards Grant Harrington, Wayne O’Connor and Nathan Strong making a return to action.
Pontypridd:
15. Matthew Hutchings
14. Trystan Lazarus
13. Lawrence Price
12. Adam Thomas
11. Kristian Baller
10. Neil Burnett
9. Andrew Jenkins
1. Stuart Williams
2. Leighton Davies
3. Ryan Harford
4. Grant Harrington
5. Chris Dicomidis
6. Lee Evans
7. Wayne O’Connor
8. Nathan Strong (Capt)
Replacements (from):
Fionn McLaughlinn
Gavin Dacey
Jason Pocock
Paul Matthews
Rhys Downes
Ian Poley
Duane Goodfield
Ryan Savage
Geraint Lewis
Rhys Shellard
