Burnell’s half-term report

Going into the New Year, and into the second half of the Premiership campaign, Pontypridd Director of Rugby Justin Burnell took time out to reflect on the events of the past months and to assess his hopes for the future.

After a roller-coaster ride through the first half of the season  Ponty celebrated Christmas in style with a morale boosting victory over old rivals, and previously unbeaten Cardiff.

Pausing to take stock of his team’s achievements, Burnell did so in a positive light and with one eye very much on the future.

“We can look back on some really tight games, losing in the last minutes of play against Cardiff away, Aberavon home, Swansea away and whilst those results were disappointing we can put them into a positive perspective with what we’re trying to achieve here at Pontypridd RFC.

“You could say that we went into the new campaign with our biggest concern being the availability of some of the old guard, Daf Lockyer, Dico, Dowden, Shellard, players that we have relied upon so much, but we have gone through long periods without their services and have seen younger players emerging with distinction and in hindsight this has put us in a good place.”

The groundwork for future sustainability, according to Burnell, is very much based upon the Valleys Rugby Initiative which provides a clear pathway for player development through club, schools and colleges.

“The contribution made by Graeson Clarke in underpinning the Valleys Initiative is a massive one” said Burnell. “Before long we will be able to put everything in perspective, seeing players who won the Dewar Shield with Ponty Schools two years ago stepping up to Premiership level with Pontypridd. There will be a lot more new faces, aspiring youngsters given their opportunity as we go into the new year.”

The aim for Pontypridd is to secure Premiership stability and Burnell is confident in his predictions.

“We have a very good relationship with Cardiff Blues, which gives us access to players of regional quality, for which we are very grateful. We also have a good relationship with local clubs enabling us to identify young talent that can play on permit. Our coaching set-up reflects this policy of development with Paul Matthews and Lee Davies given their opportunity at this level.

“We may not be able to compete financially with other Premiership clubs but we have shown that we can be totally competitive on the field of play. The Valleys Initiative, the nurturing of local talent and the showcasing of regional players from Cardiff Blues, all these threads come together to provide Pontypridd with a lifeline at Premiership level.”

Justin Burnell aptly ended his half-term report by reflecting on the big festive win against the big city rivals.

“The Cardiff game was a great example of what the Premiership is all about, a quality contest, hard fought with young talent on show, played out in front of a big crowd.

“Our support has been magnificent again this year, simply the best, and as a squad we thank them and wish everyone involved with Pontypridd a Happy New Year.”