Pontypridd v Beddau – Match Preview
On Friday 26th December Pontypridd RFC welcome Beddau RFC to Sardis Road for a Boxing Day derby clash in the Admiral Premiership, kick off is at 2:30pm.
It’s just over 51 years since Beddau last visited Sardis for what is to date the only competitive fixture between the two clubs. The match that day, on Saturday 16th November 1974 was in the Welsh Cup, and Ponty won by a 21-9 scoreline.
The only other two matches between the two sides were friendlies which both took place at Beddau’s Mount Pleasant Park ground. The first was on 4th October 2007 and the second on 16th August 2008 – Pontypridd won both of those encounters.
To the here and now and tomorrow’s clash sees 3rd play 2nd with Ponty on 45 points from 11 matches and Beddau on 47 points from 11 matches in the league respectively – it’s shaping up to be an enthralling title race between the two clubs and Merthyr, who are currently top on 48 points.
E-Ticket sales for this Boxing Day derby have been phenomenal and as a result it will the biggest attendance of the season so far! It promises to to be a brilliant afternoon of action, c’mon the Pont!
The Team News…
For the second week in a row Pontypridd have made four changes to the starting XV from the previous week, which was last Saturday’s win against Ystrad Rhondda. Again, three of those changes come in the backline and the other one in the pack. There are a further three new faces amongst the substitutes including another potential club debutant.
In the backs Joel Raikes has returned to the matchday squad and returns at scrum-half, as does Joe Davies on the wing. The other change sees Niko Matawalu start at outside centre, Niko is again on permit from Caerphilly RFC.
In the forwards there’s a return to the club, via permit from Cardiff RFC, for Tom Harper who starts at tighthead prop. Tom makes his first Pontypridd appearance for over twenty months – his last coming when the team triumphed by a 29-27 scoreline away at RGC on 13th April 2024.
On the bench there are returns to the matchday squad for Jaydan Pugh and Ethan Evans, and there could be a club debut for prop Codi Purnell who is on permit from the Dragons Academy.
Unavailable for selection through injury are Iestyn Harris and Garyn Daniel.
There’s also a personal milestone for no.8 Joe Miles – Joe, who has been a standout performer since joining the Club after the Covid restart will make his 100th Pontypridd appearance tomorrow afternoon.
The Pontypridd team selected to play Beddau is as follows:
15. Dale Stuckey. 14. Stuart Floyd-Ellis. 13. Niko Matawalu. 12. Garyn Smith. 11. Joe Davies. 10. Jorge Lucey. 9. Joel Raikes.
1. Ben Stephens. 2. Louis Tovey. 3. Tom Harper. 4. Mitch Barnard. 5. Kristian Parker. 6. Cai James. 7. Cally James (c). 8. Joe Miles.
Subs: 16. Connah Hughes. 17. Ben Drew. 18. Codi Purnell. 19. Ethan Evans. 20. Jordan Coxley. 21. Lloyd Dennett. 22. Jaydan Pugh. 23. Rhodri Smith.
SUPPORTER INFORMATION:
Tickets – Admission on Saturday will be £12 full, £10 concession access-all-areas and under 16’s free if accompanied by a paying adult. You can purchase tickets on the day or to save time (which is recommended to miss the queues) you can use our online e-Ticket system, here’s the link which includes all our different packages – e-Tickets – Pontypridd v Beddau 26/12/2025
Supporter access is via the Clubhouse end of the ground only – the ground and bars will be open from midday onwards.
We are expecting a big crowd so we would urge the supporters of both clubs to arrive at the ground promptly to avoid any congestion and queues at the ticket booth. Here’s our recently published article containing some important information – Two Matches in Six Days – Believe The Hype!
Club Merchandise – A range of Ponty RFC merchandise will be on sale by the Can Bar which can be found on the left of the main Grandstand. Bring your Christmas spending money and come and check out the items available.
Pontypridd Schools U16s – Recently, Ponty Schools retained their Dewar Shield title after beating Llanelli Schools in the final at the Principality Stadium, and the team will be parading the magnificent looking shield around the pitch at half-time.
Live Sport in the Clubhouse – There will be a selection of live sport on our screens throughout the afternoon and into the evening, so come and join us for some pre and post match refreshments.
Merry Christmas everyone, we’ll see you at Sardis tomorrow.
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