Quins travel to Gwent to face Cross Keys on Saturday in the Principality Premiership and Thomas is full of respect for their hosts.
“Cross Keys are going to be a very difficult side to beat, especially at home. It’s always tough going up to play in Gwent but hopefully we can get a better result than we did when we last came to Gwent and lost to Pontypool,” said Thomas.
“But we have kicked on from that game and we are pleased with the progress we are making. Cross Keys are a very physical side, with a good set piece and some nice backs so we will have to be at our best to get a win.”
Carmarthen Quins are currently second in the Premiership just a point behind top of the table Merthyr. But Thomas insists Quins will keep their feet on the ground and not look past the next game.
“I know it’s a cliché but we are just taking one game at a time,” he added. “We aren’t looking past the next game but of course we want to be competing at the business end of the season. It won’t be easy but if we keep performing we are quietly confident that we can do well.”
Elsewhere Aberavon face third placed RGC1404, with the North Walians just two points off the top of the table. Eight placed Bedwas host Llandovery who are just one place behind them.
Cardiff face Swansea at the Arms Park, Llanelli face Bargoed in a bottom of the table clash. One of the games of the round sees top of the table Merthyr hosting Newport who need a win to stay in title winning contention. Fifth placed also host Bridgend at Sardis Road.
The two clubs haven’t met since October, 2016, when Ponty won 15-13 at the Brewery Field. The home side haven’t played since 17 February and lost on their last two outings at Ebbw Vale and Merthyr.
With Dale Stuckey away on leave, and Geraint Walsh suffering a back strain, changes to the Ponty back line see Lloyd Rowlands making a comeback from long term injury in the centre and promising young winger George Thomas, from Coleg y Cymoedd drafted in.
The success of the player pathway instigated by the Pontypridd & Valleys Initiative is further highlighted as scrum half Jamie Hill and flanker Sion Edwards from the University of South Wales are named on the bench.
Principality Premiership – 10 March
Aberavon v RGC 1404
Bedwas v Llandovery
Cardiff v Swansea
Cross Keys v Carmarthen Quins
Ebbw Vale v Neath
Llanelli v Bargoed
Merthyr v Newport
Pontypridd v Bridgend
