Matchday Preview – Neath v Pontypridd

Next up Pontypridd RFC are on the road away at Neath RFC. The Indigo Group Premiership match at The Lextan Gnoll on Saturday 30th September kicks off at 2:30pm.

Saturday’s match heralds both Ponty’s first visit to the Gnoll and a first meeting with Neath since Friday 8th February 2019. On that occasion Ponty ran out 45-0 winners thanks to tries from Ben Jones, Rob Jones, Alex Webber (2), Shay Smallman, Rhys Shellard and Alun Lawrence, whilst Ceri Sweeney and Diggy Bird completed the scoring with the boot.

Unfortunately for Neath the 2018/19 season was a struggle. Offset by severe financial issues behind the scenes they nobly fought their way to the end of that particular campaign where they were met by relegation to the Welsh Championship. Battling their way back to the Welsh Premiership where they belong, the current season will now see the resumption of Pontypridd v Neath fixtures and with them the renewed rivalry between the two most successful clubs in the semi-professional era post-regionalisation.

Back to this Saturday and both teams will be looking for their maiden wins of the current league campaign to try and push themselves up the table. As it stands Ponty currently sit two places and two points above the Welsh All Blacks at the wrong end of the ladder. The Valley Commandos will take positives albeit in defeat from last Saturday’s 30-27 reverse against Merthyr in the Welsh Cup. Neath will be looking to make amends following a 40-19 home defeat against Ebbw Vale in the same competition.

The Pontypridd Supporters Club are organising travel to the ground so make sure the bank at The Lextan Gnoll is a sea of black and white come Saturday!

SUPPORTERS TRAVEL –

As just mentioned, the Ponty Supporters Club are putting on travel to Neath on Saturday. The bus will leave Sardis Road at 1:00pm ahead of the 2:30pm kick-off, to book a seat on the bus to Neath call Phil Lycett on 01443 662561.

For those driving, the postcode required for your sat-navs is SA11 3BU.