A combination of match postponements and a diversity of commitments with the British & Irish Cup have left Ponty with numerous games in hand over other Premiership sides – five for example against Saturday’s opponents Bedwas.
Ten points and six league placings meanwhile separate the two teams, with Ponty in fourth and Bedwas in tenth position in the table.
A combination of injuries and regional call ups have affected Ponty’s selection options, with the scrum half position particularly hard hit. Rhys Downes and Garyn Lucas are sidelined with ankle and knee injuries respectively, Lewis Jones is away with the Blues senior squad and Gareth Williams still unavailable due to work commitments. Andrew Jenkins, previously drafted in on permit by Ponty has been recalled by his club Whitland.
The number 9 shirt for the Bedwas game will duly be worn by Carl Thomas, called up on permit from Llantwit Fardre, with Lloyd Peart from Beddau covering on the bench.
Also out injured is centre Gary Williams with bruised ribs, and also on regional duties are lock Cory Hill and prop Ryan Harford. Winger Owen Williams is still away with the Wales Sevens squad and back rower Dan Godfrey away on domestic leave.
Pontypridd 15.Gareth Wyatt. 14.Lewis I Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Carl Thomas.1.Chris Phillips. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Chris Dicomidis – cpt. 6.Jake Thomas. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Owen Sheppeard.
Subs: Lloyd Peart; Lewis K Williams; Harley Thomson; Huw Dowden; Tom Hetherington; Ryan Savage; Stuart Williams.
