Williams, who scored an outstanding try for Ponty against Ebbw Vale last month, wins the award for Principality Premiership performances for October and November.
The current title holders won all five games in that period, to cement their place at the top of the table. They beat Aberavon, Llandovery and Ebbw Vale away from home and Bedwas and Llanelli at Sardis Road to overtake challengers Ebbw Vale and Carmarthen Quins.
Merthyr born Williams has been with the club for half a dozen years and although work commitments mean he isn’t available for selection every weekend but he is certainly a favourite amongst the club faithful.
Coach Geraint Lewis said, “Lewis’ class is well known to everyone at the club and his outstanding try against Ebbw Vale made a big difference to the result of that game. His speed and elusiveness are second to none at this level and his performances over the last couple of months fully warrant this reward.”
Lewis Williams said, “The try was enjoyable but it was a good game for all the boys especially at Eugene Cross Park which is a difficult place to play. Everyone seems to up their game against us which you can understand as current champions, but the boys have responded again this season. It’s great to be at the top of the table again, but there’s still a long way to go. Despite being semi-professional, the boys show huge dedication and professionalism, getting up extra early to go to the gym and just want to perform well for the club.
“We are determined to stay in the hunt in all competitions if we can and although the British & Irish Cup is a big motivation, the bread and butter is always the league. People may assume the league isn’t up to much as we’ve won it four times in a row, but that’s really not the case and the boys up their game every year.”
Williams says former Ponty wing Gareth Wyatt has been a big help since joining the coaching team. “As a back three player, who played most of his career on the wing, he gives that extra bit of advice and support. Gareth and Geraint (Lewis) have done well since Paul John and Dale McIntosh joined the Blues but the backroom staff also do a great job – the likes of team manager Richard Langmead, conditioning coach Darren Boole, the kit men and the physios.”
Sara David, Principality’s Pontypridd branch manager, added: “Congratulations to Lewis for winning this month’s Principality Premiership award. He has had a great first half of the season, helping to secure Pontypridd’s place at the top of the table. We wish him the best of luck for the rest of the 10th Principality Premiership season.”
Lewis Williams factfile
Dob 24.10.87, Merthyr Tydfil
Previous clubs: Merthyr RFC
School: Afon Taf
Occupation: BT Cable engineer
Most admired rugby player: Richie McCaw
Biggest inspiration: Family and friends
