Dewar Shield showdown at Sardis

Something must give in the Dewar Shield as Pontypridd Schools host Rhondda Schools in a mouth watering valleys derby this coming Friday evening 10th November.

The big match will be played on the 3G surface at Sardis Road, kicking off at 7pm.

There are three teams maintaining a 100% record in the Dewar Shield so far this season, Cardiff, Pontypridd and Rhondda all level on nine points at the top of the table.

Pontypridd Schools’ three victories have come against Swansea (pictured) and Llanelli at home, and against Pembrokeshire away. That record will be put to the most searching of tests as Ponty now host their Rhondda neighbours, who are rightly classed as the giants of the Dewar Shield.

Preparing his young squad for the battle to come, Pontypridd coach Justin Burnell commented: “We have had a great start to our campaign, but to face reigning champions Rhondda will give us a good measure of exactly where we are in our progress.

“Rhondda have a phenomenal record in the competition, and are a well prepared and well structured unit.

“We respect them for their achievements and know how tough a task it will be to compete at their level, but we have built up our own momentum this season and we will give it a good go on Friday.”

The Dewar Shield derby will top the bill of a feast of age grade rugby at Sardis Road on Friday evening. Pontypridd Schools under 11s kick off the action at 4:45pm as they take on their Rhondda counterparts, then at 5:30pm the USW Freshers will face Llantwit Farde Youth.

A bumper crowd is expected for the Pontypridd & Valleys Rugby Initiative Festival which will showcase some of the best young talent developing in the area, with admission charged at just £2.