The focus turns sharply from the British & Irish to the SWALEC Cup, with Ponty’s first involvement in this year’s domestic competition being an away tie at Bridgend Athletic at Ewenny Road (KO 2:30pm).
Bridgend Athletic currently lie in sixth position in Division One West, and progressed in the SWALEC Cup by securing a home win over Gilfach Goch in the previous round.
A demanding fixture schedule over the past seven days again sees a policy of squad rotation used by Pontypridd, with the welcome return of players from injury. Those making a comeback into the starting line up are full back Matthew Nuthall, wing Lewis Williams and centre Gary Williams.
Young prop Chris Phillips continued at loose head after impressing in the BIC tie against Birmingham & Solihull midweek. Drafted into the squad on permit from Gilfach Goch is back rower James Locke.
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Lewis Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Gary Williams. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Kristian Baller.
1.Chris Phillips. 2.Tom Hetherington. 3.Ken Knaggs. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Jake Thomas. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Chris Dicomidis (capt)
Replacements: Garyn Lucas; Dafydd Lockyer; Gareth Wyatt; Dean Gunter; Huw Dowden; Ryan Harford; James Locke
