There are signs that the Valley Commandos are peaking at the right time with a run of four straight wins to their credit, three of those at home, and the task as ever will be to carry that home form on the road to Bedwas.
There are numerous changes made from the Ponty line up that ran in five tries in recording an emphatic 42-13 win over Bridgend last time out, due a combination of injuries, work commitments, regional call-ups, disciplinary action and squad rotation.
Along with all the long term injuries amongst the squad, flanker Rhys Lloyd is unavailable due to shift work, fellow back rower Wayne O’Connor commencing a week’s ban due to the accumulation of three yellow cards, and outside half Dai Flanagan called up to the Blues senior squad.
Lawrence Price makes a long awaited start in the Ponty team at full back, with Adam Thomas reverting to centre, and Lewis Williams called up on the wing. Chris Dicomidis reverts to the back row, with another up and coming youngster, flanker Cory Hearne from Abercynon, drafted in as cover on the bench.
Explaining the selection process, team manager Richard Langmead said, “We need to manage the squad as best we can through a testing period to the end of the season. We have played many games of late, and with another four games to come over the next two weeks.
“Everybody is playing well at the moment, and selection is based purely on rotation and rest. The Bedwas game is another one that we need to win, and if the team show the same desire and spirit as in recent games, that is achievable”.
Pontypridd: 15.Lawrence Price. 14.Lewis Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Kristian Baller. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Geraint Lewis. 8.Nathan Strong (captain).
Subs: Andrew Jenkins; Dean Gunter; Mike Davies; Ryan Harford; Sam Hobbs; Leighton Davies; Cory Hearne.
