The fixtures just keep coming during a hectic final run in to the end of the season, with Ponty facing Cardiff at the Arms Park this evening (ko 7:15pm).
The Blue and Blacks have strung together a phenomenal run of 14 league victories on the trot, that being the platform from which they now seem poised to clinch the Premiership title.
All Ponty v Cardiff games bear a special significance, reflecting an age old rivalry between the two clubs, and the Valley Commandos will seek to at least delay the city club’s celebrations, whilst seeking to mount their own challenge for a third place finish in the league.
A busy fixture schedule continues to take its toll on the Ponty squad. The latest injury victims from the Bedwas game are prop Pat Palmer with shoulder damage, winger Lewis Williams with a recurrence of a back strain, and centre Adam Thomas who suffered concussion in the dying seconds of the match and will now be out for what remains of the season. Flanker Wayne O’Connor continues to serve a week long ban for accumulating three yellow cards.
Ponty welcome back outside half Dai Flanagan from regional duties, and flanker Rhys Lloyd from his work commitments. Kristian Baller reverts to the full back position, with young centre Lee Thorne drafted in on permit from Llanharan to cover on the bench.
Pontypridd: 15.Kristian Baller. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Mike Davies. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Ryan Savage. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Geraint Lewis. 7.Rhys Lloyd. 8.Nathan Strong – cpt.
Subs: Andrew Jenkins; Lee Thorne; Lawrence Price; Stuart Williams; Huw Dowden; Chris Martenko; Cory Hearne
