Ystrad Rhondda v Pontypridd – Matchday Preview
Next up for Pontypridd RFC is the third away game in a block of four trips on the road, this week against Ystrad Rhondda RFC. The Admiral Premiership clash between the two clubs takes place this Saturday 18th April at Gelligaled Park, and kicks off at 2:30pm.
Ponty’s last visit to Ystrad’s home turf was last season and took place nearly a year ago to the day on Saturday 26th April 2025. Tries for Joe Miles, Kristian Parker and a brace for Rob Jones was not enough as the Valley Commandos slipped to a 39-26 reverse, and headed home with a four-try bonus point as consolation.
The last time the two teams met was this season in the festive derby on Saturday 20th December at Sardis Road, and it proved to be a real Christmas cracker. The match ebbed and flowed and swung both ways before a strong second half finish from Pontypridd saw the team take the spoils by 36 points to 20. Jorge Lucey was the star of the show bagging a hattrick of tries which contributed to a personal haul of 26 points. Cally James and Joe Miles also touched down for Ponty tries that afternoon.
Pontypridd have just had another Saturday off due to Merthyr’s participation in the Cup Final on Sunday evening. The results from over the weekend, namely Beddau’s big win against Brecon, means Ponty have fallen to third place in the league table. However, the Valley Commandos have a game in hand over first place Beddau and are just two points behind them, with Merthyr sandwiched in the middle in second – it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting finishes for many a year.
By Head Coach Kristian Parker’s own admission: “We need to right many wrongs,” when looking ahead to this weekend’s match whilst remembering what unfolded at Gelligaled Park last season – make sure you pack the park in your numbers #PontyFans!
GROUND AND CLUBHOUSE ADDRESS –
Please note that due to the close proximity of the two clubs, the Ponty Supporters Club are not running a bus to Ystrad this week. The postcode for Gelligaled Park is CF41 7SY. However, Ystrad’s clubhouse is just back in the town and the address for that is 82 Gelligaled Road, Ystrad Rhondda, CF41 7RQ.
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