Neath v Pontypridd – Match Preview

On Saturday 1st November Pontypridd RFC head to The Gnoll for an Admiral Premiership clash against Neath RFC, kick off is 2:30pm.

After a short weekend off, Ponty are back in action and out for redemption. The break came during a Welsh Cup weekend – a competition where this week’s opponents ended Pontypridd’s title defence just a month ago. That particular defeat by 23 points to 19 at The Gnoll on Saturday 27th September was the Valleys Commandos’ first loss at the home of the Welsh All Blacks since April 2014.

Matches between these two clubs are traditionally close-fought affairs, and although Ponty completed a league double last season, the narrow scorelines of 24–19 and 34–33 underline just how tight those contests were.

Pontypridd will be fully aware that nothing short of a full eighty-minute performance will be enough tomorrow if they are to remain at the top of the Premiership standings – pob lwc bois!

The Team News…

Ponty have made three changes to the starting XV that beat Cross Keys at Sardis a fortnight ago, with a further three new faces coming onto the bench, one of which is a potential club debutant.

Two of the three changes come in the backline with Jorge Lucey being recalled to start at flyhalf, and there’s a second appearance of the season for George Thorrington on the wing.

The only change in the forwards sees Ethan Evans return to start in the second row, Ethan’s last appearance being a try-scoring one away at Bargoed on the 4th October.

There are returns to the matchday squad for Joe Buckle and Dylan Kelly amongst the replacements. The other new face is also a new signing – centre Joe Blackburn has joined Pontypridd RFC from Cardiff University and will make his club debut if he gets onto the pitch tomorrow – welcome to Sardis Road, Joe!

Unfortunately, Ponty’s injury list is an ever-expanding one and currently on it are Kristian Parker, Ben Drew, Oli Shepherd, Jordan Coxley, Callum Coxley, Joe Miles and Joey Williams. Unavailable for selection due to being on leave are Joe Davies and Louis Tovey.

The Pontypridd team selected to play Neath is as follows:

15. Dale Stuckey. 14. Iwan Griffith. 13. Stuart Floyd-Ellis. 12. Garyn Smith. 11. George Thorrington. 10. Jorge Lucey. 9. Joel Raikes.

1. Ben Stephens. 2. Connah Hughes. 3. Kian Mattravers. 4. Mitch Barnard. 5. Ethan Evans. 6. Cai James. 7. Cally James (c). 8. Iestyn Harris.

Subs: 16. Dylan Kelly. 17. Dan Cotterell. 18. Garyn Daniel. 19. Joe Buckle. 20. Lloyd Riley. 21. Lloyd Dennett. 22. Jaydan Pugh. 23. Joe Blackburn.

SUPPORTERS TRAVEL –

There are still a very limited number of spaces available on the supporters bus, which will depart Sardis Road at 1:15pm – please phone Phil Lycett on 01443 662561 to book a seat. Here’s our recent Supporters Bus article with all the key information – Supporters Coach to Neath

GROUND ADDRESS –

For Ponty Fans making your own way to the ground, the postcode required for your sat-navs is SA11 3BU.

PRE-MATCH HOSPITALITY –

Neath are once again offering pre-match hospitality for the supporters of both clubs on Saturday. Hospitality is open from 12:00pm, with food served from 12:50pm, followed by a guest speaker 1:50pm to 2:10pm ahead of the 2:30pm kick-off. Tickets for this are priced at £30 and can be purchased here: ???? http://neathrfc.com/tickets/

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