A midweek win for Neath edged the Welsh Blacks into top spot, ahead of Friday night’s combatants, Pontypridd in second place and Llanelli, six points behind but with a game in hand, in fourth place.
Every single point accumulated in the battle for Premiership supremacy is hard fought for and comes at a premium. The Ponty v Llanelli encounter, between two sides renowned for their adventurous approach, should be one to savour.
Ponty’s current prop crisis has eased off – slightly. The return from holidays of Ken Knaggs is offset by a hamstring injury suffered by Stuart Williams, becoming the fourth prop to be sidelined, along with Jon Williams, Ryan Harford and Phil Osborne. Sam Hobbs is away on senior Blues duties, but regional Academy youngsters Lewis Smout and Willgriff John return to club duties to bolster the Ponty front row.
Centre Gavin Dacey completes his rehabilitation from long term injury by claiming a place in the starting line up, with Garyn Lucas given another opportunity at scrum half.
Pontypridd: 15.Adam Thomas. 14.Gareth Wyatt. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Garyn Lucas; 1.Lewis Smout. 2.Tom Hetherington. 3.Wilgriff John. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Ed Siggery. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Chris Dicomidis (capt)
Subs: Kristian Baller; Dean Gunter; Lewis Williams; Huw Dowden; Chris Martenko; Wayne O’Connor; Ken Kanggs.
Supporters are advised to turn up early for the Pontypridd v Llanelli game. A Children in Need charity game will kick off at 6:25pm where the Welsh Women’s team will feature. Members of the Australian squad will also be in attendance.
The bars at Sardis Road will be open from 5pm.
