Pontypridd v Newport – match preview

Pontypridd host Newport in a Premiership East tie at Sardis Road on Saturday 11th November, the match kicking off at 1pm.

An in form Ponty are riding high in the league rankings, top of the table after a run of six consecutive wins. One of only two early season defeats however came in the reverse fixture at Rodney Parade, where Newport edged a 29pts to 27 victory. The Black and Ambers also recorded a fine win at home against then league leaders Bedwas last time out.

In seeking to hold on to top placing in the Premiership East table, and to avenge that earlier defeat against Newport, Pontypridd have had to make changes from the starting line-up that won at home against Ebbw Vale the previous weekend, due to injuries.

Wing Dale Stuckey and prop Will Davies-King both limped out of that encounter with ankle ligament damage. Also sidelined is prop Keelan Marney with shoulder damage.

Making a return from long term injury however are centre Gary Williams and flanker Ross Morgan, with prop Joe Popple called in for his first involvement of the current campaign.

The Pontypridd team selected to face Newport is as follows:

15.Lloyd Rowlands. 14.Alex Webber. 13.Gary Williams. 12.Dafydd Lockyer – cpt. 11.Geraint Walsh. 10.Diggy Bird. 9.Wayne Evans.

1.Chris Phillips. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Jon Elley. 4.Shay Smallman. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Sean Moore. 7.Rhys Shellard. 8.Morgan Sieniawski.

Subs: 16.Jamie Hill. 17.Jordan Rees. 18.Joseph Williams. 19.Joe Page. 20.Ross Morgan. 21.Hemi Barnes. 22.Huw Owen. 23.Joe Popple.