After their fine 32-24 victory at home to the previously unbeaten Bridgend, Neath need to continue their winnings ways when they face Pontypridd at Sardis Road (kick-off 19:15).
Neath are one of three teams still in contention for the league title and need Bridgend to slip up at least twice for them to have a chance of winning Wales’ top honour for the thirteenth time in their 133-year history.
Neath will hope for more crucial displays from outside-half Shaun Connor, his 22-points were invaluable in the win over Bridgend, and in-form wing Shane Williams, whose eight tries have helped Neath to second in the table.
Neath Assistant Coach Rowland Phillips says that a win against Ponty: “Is not going to be easy,” but Neath must be feeling quietly confident with Pontypridd on a three game losing streak.
After recent defeats to Bridgend and Newport, Ponty went down 25-6 to Ebbw Vale at the weekend, the loss leaving them in seventh place in the division.
Last season’s Principality Cup winner’s and PARKER PEN SHIELD finalists will be disappointed with this season’s poor league showing, with Ponty coach Lynn Howells confessing they are only playing ‘for pride’ at this stage of the season.
Lee Jarvis makes his return to the Neath squad and Club captain Gareth Llewellyn has been rested. Although Bridgend are still favourites for the title, Rowland Phillips remains optimistic: “Its quite simple, we have to win the next three games to ensure it all comes down to the last weekend, when we play Newport at the Gnoll.”
Pontypridd: Brett Davey; Gareth Wyatt, Mathew Nuthall, Jon Bryant, Richard Fussell, Neil Jenkins, Paul John; Lee Beech, Wayne O’Connor, Mark Lewis, A N Other, Brent Cockbain, A N Other, Matthew Rees, Neil Hennessy.
Replacements: Gareth Baber, Lee Thomas, Richard Johnston, A N Other, A N Other, A N Other.
Neath:(From) Adrian Durston, James Storey, Dave Tiueti Kevin James, Sean Marsden, Shane Williams, Lee Jarvis, Shaun Connor, Andy Moore, Patrick Horgan, Andrew Millward (C), Steve Jones, Paul James, Barry Williams, Cai Griffiths, Andy Newman, Lyndon Bateman, Steve Martin, Alfie Mocelutu, Steve Tandy, Brett Sinkinson, Jamie Ringer.
