Match Preview – Pontypridd v Merthyr
Pontypridd host valley rivals Merthyr in the Indigo Group Premiership on Saturday 5th March, the match at Sardis Road kicking off at 2.30pm.
Ponty will be looking to build on last Sunday’s excellent win at Llandovery against a Merthyr outfit who themselves are coming off a good win on the road, beating Bridgend 36-15 at The Brewery Field.
The teams have already met twice this season and the score stands at 1-1 – Ponty beating the Ironmen at Sardis Road in early October last year, but Merthyr got their revenge the following month at The Wern – both matches in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup pool stage.
There’s no need to hype up the match, the ‘Valleys Derby’ clashes between the two clubs are always full-blooded affairs with no corner given by either team and this Saturday will no doubt be no different.
There’s just one change to Ponty’s starting XV to that of the side that played The Drovers last Sunday – Llywarch ap Myrddin returns to the team at fullback with Cole Swannack switching to the right wing. On the bench there’s a return for hooker Ieuan Morris, Tom Devine and a potential debut for exciting wing/fullback Jac Davies. Jac, who is on permit, is 18 years old and still in school at Ysgol Glantaf whilst also playing for Pentyrch Youth RFC.
The Pontypridd team selected to play Merthyr is as follows:
15. Llywarch ap Myrddin. 14. Cole Swannack. 13. Bradley Roderick. 12. Ceri Morris. 11. Dale Stuckey. 10. Jake Lloyd. 9. Dai Jones
1. Ben Stephens. 2. Rob Jones. 3. Tom Harper. 4. Kristian Parker (c). 5. Chris Dicomidis. 6. Cai James. 7. Sion Parry. 8. Joe Miles
Subs: 16. Ieuan Morris. 17. Tom Devine. 18. Joe Popple. 19. Jack Pope. 20. Cally James. 21. Dafydd Buckland. 22. Garyn Payne. 23. Jac Davies
Supporter information:
Supporters are reminded that the Pwllgwaun end remains closed and access is only via the clubhouse entrance. Ticket prices for the game are priced at £12 for adults and £10 for concessions with under 16’s gaining free entrance provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.
Before Ponty’s kick off, live Premier League football will be shown on the screens with Leicester City hosting Leeds United, the match kicking off at 12.30pm. There’s also live rugby a little later from the Gallagher Premiership – Saracens v Leicester Tigers which kicks off at 3pm.
After the game there is live entertainment with local band Drunken Nights gigging in the clubhouse. The acoustic duo will be rocking the joint straight after the huge Valleys Derby against Merthyr RFC – the exciting duo start playing at 5.30.
Earlier in the day the Friends of Pontypridd RFC are meeting at 12noon in the Egan Lounge, in the clubhouse prior to the match. In case you didn’t know they are a group that have been long-standing supporters of Pontypridd RFC – they raise funds that have been used, amongst many other things, to enhance facilities at the club along with buying equipment.
The meeting is to discuss the future strategy and direction of the organisation and all current members are invited to attend as well as anyone else who’d like to join the group – all will be welcomed.
We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, ole!
