Having seen his team notch 13 out of 14 possible try bonus points in picking up 69 out of a maximum 70 points with 14 successive victories in the SWALEC Championship this season, Lynch believes his team are ready for their ultimate test.
“The game at Sardis Road is going to be the stage for us to prove what we are made of and what we can produce. We’ve identified a few chinks in their armour and I’m pretty sure we’re going to give them a hell of a fright,” said Lynch.
“It’s going to be very difficult for us, a real test, but the players can’t wait. Ebbw Vale have this season shown that teams from the Championship can mix it with the Premiership sides.
“We’ve set ourselves the target of beating the 122 points that Ebbw Vale reached to go up as champions last season. We’ve made a good start, but there is still a long way to go.”
Having already beaten Aberavon and Bridgend in the Cup in recent seasons, as well as coming within a point of Bedwas, Bargoed will go into the tie without any fear. Lynch also hopes the game will provide his outside half, Josh Prosser, with the chance of showcasing his talents.
A product of the club’s junior ranks, he was in the Dragons Under 18 set-up before being released. But for the past two seasons he has been the guiding light, as well as leading points scorer, for Bargoed.
“Josh has really matured in the past few seasons and is capable of playing at a higher level. I just hope he plays well enough against Pontypridd to show off all his talents,” said Lynch.
Bargoed skipper Leigh Meades believes his pack, who have picked up four penalty tries in the past two games, will be able to stand up to the home eight and he can’t wait to face the “best team in Wales below regional level”.
“We’ve got a couple of bus loads of supporters lined-up to follow us to Sardis Road and it is going to be a great day out for the whole club – a challenge we are going to relish as a team,” said Meades.
“We expected, and got, a tough test at Pontypool Park last weekend and we couldn’t be in better shape to face Pontypridd. If we can catch the on an off day, and raise our game by 10%, then anything could happen – we certainly won’t be going there to make up the numbers.
“We’ve already beaten Aberavon and Bridgend in the Cup in recent years and it will only take Ponty to underestimate us for there to be another shock. They’re the best non-regional team in Wales and we’re looking to judge ourselves against their high standards.”
