Ponty’s last league tie was a fine away win at Cardiff back on the last day of October, rounding off a run of six consecutive victories which had taken them to the top of the table. Since then the rains have fallen and not much rugby has been played, but the Valley Commandos still defending their status as league leaders.
The trip to Aberavon’s “World of Hurt” will undoubtedly prove to be a difficult one, the venue not being one of Ponty’s luckiest, and having suffered defeat there by 22pts to 17 in the corresponding fixture last season. The Wizards, whilst maintaining their profile as one of the leading pack in the Premiership, currently occupy sixth position in the table, seven points adrift of Pontypridd.
The Ponty absentees include centre Gavin Dacey and fly-half Dean Gunter, on Sevens duty in Dubai with the Samurai and Urdd squads respectively, and hooker Rhys Williams who is involved with the Blues senior squad.
Out injured are centre Dafydd Lockyer and no 8 Nathan Strong, both with groin problems, alongside long term casualties, wing Owen Williams (jaw), scrum half Gavin Morris (knee) and flanker Kristian Dacey (shoulder).
Aaron Bramwell will slot in at outside centre, with Dai Flanagan in at number 10. Hooker Huw Dowden returns to action following a spell out with concussion, whilst Chris Dicomidis once more moves to the flanker position, from where he will captain the side.
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Kristian Baller. 13.Aaron Bramwell. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dai Flanagan. 9.Rhys Downes.
1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis – cpt. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Rhys Lloyd.
Subs: Gary Williams; Chris Clayton; Matt Hutchings; Tom Hetherington; Darren Waters; Grant Harrington; Stuart Williams.
