The focus amongst the Ponty camp will be on redemption following a disappointing home defeat to Aberavon last time out, with the task of getting back to winning ways at the traditionally difficult venue of Pontypool Park.
Pontypridd did complete the league double over their Gwent opponents last term, following up a home win by 24pts to 13 in September with an away win by 29pts to 18 in March. More of the same will definitely be the tonic required to steady Ponty’s current early season form.
There are minimal changes made to the Pontypridd line up with Chris Clayton returning on the wing and the young back row pairing of Calum Thomas and Owen Sheppeard given their chance. Club skipper Chris Dicomidis returns to the second row.
Pontypridd team manager Richard Langmead has reported on positive vibes from within the squad following the Aberavon defeat.
“There was obviously a feeling of disappointment carried over from last Saturday” said Langmead, “but our analysis of the game was a positive one with many lessons learnt. Training has picked up well during the week and we will go to Pontypool Park, a difficult venue at the best of times, with a mood of renewed confidence.
“We do not become a poor side overnight and we need to get back on track with a solid performance and hopefully a win on the road.”
Pontypridd 15.Gareth Wyatt. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Matthew Nuthall. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Ken Knaggs. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Cory Hill. 5.Chris Dicomidis – cpt. 6.Dan Godfrey. 7.Calum Thomas. 8.Owen Sheppeard.
Replacements: Garyn Lucas; Lewis K Williams; Gary Williams; Tom Hetherington; Wayne O’Connor; Ryan Savage; James Howe.
