This is a re-scheduled fixture, the original date for the match being the first Saturday of the season back in early September, but the Sardis Road ground at that time being completely flooded. A winter’s campaign of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many other postponed matches has followed for Ponty, but the club now looking for a sustained sprint to the finishing line to achieve a top six placing in the Premiership.
Newport are prime candidates for the league crown, currently in third place having enjoyed a successful campaign, including a 35-0 victory over Ponty at Rodney Parade back in November.
Having lost narrowly away at Aberavon last time out, Ponty will seek to bounce back against all odds as they face an in form Newport team, and will have to do so with a number of injuries still affecting the squad.
There will be many late fitness test carried out in the Sardis treatment room before the line up to face Newport can be finalised. The walking wounded include Kristian Baller (ankle), Chris Clayton (abdominal), Matt Hutchings (hand), Lawrence Price (hamstring),Stuart Williams (hamstring), Huw Dowden (shoulder), Rhys Williams (rib), Ryan Savage (thigh) and Geraint Lewis (back), with skipper Nathan Strong due for a well earned rest with a view to the forthcoming congested fixture list.
The provisional Pontypridd line up to face Newport reads as follows: 15.Kristian Baller. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Adam Thomas. 12.Mike Davies. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Gareth McCarthy. 9.Rhys Downes.
1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Leighton Davies. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Geraint Lewis.
Subs: To Be Announced
