Neath v Pontypridd – Match Preview

It’s 2nd versus 1st on Saturday 30th November when Pontypridd RFC head to the Lextan Gnoll to play Neath RFC in the Admiral Premiership, the match kicks off at 2:30pm.

There is just a single point between Ponty in first and Neath in second in the league standings, and there was just a single point between the two teams on the pitch when they last met at the Gnoll. That match was last season on Saturday 30th September and it was the Valley Commandos that edged the Welsh All Blacks by a 23-22 scoreline.

This Saturday heralds a new era for Pontypridd when the team play their first match under new interim-Head/Player Coach Kristian Parker, and a large contingent of travelling support is expected to roar the team on at the Gnoll!

TEAM NEWS –

Ponty have made four changes and two further positional switches to the XV that triumphed over Brecon a fortnight ago, and there’s also a further four new faces on the bench.

In the backs Oli Shepherd is recalled to the starting line-up at fullback, this sees Dale Stuckey switch from fullback to wing and Stuart Floyd-Ellis move from the wing into the centre.

In the pack the three changes all come in the front row with Ben Stephens, Rob Jones and Kian Mattravers all being drafted back into the starting line-up.

On the bench there are recalls to the matchday squad for Dan Cotterell, Will Jameson, Jacob Symes and Sam Talbot.

Unavailable for selection due to various reasons are Morgan Bosanko (injured), Garyn Daniel (away on leave), Ioan Evans (away playing at the Dubai 7s) and Joe Davies (work commitments).

And big…

Llongyfarchiadau / Congratulations to our new Player/Head Coach Kristian Parker who will make his 100th appearance for Pontypridd RFC when he runs out at the Gnoll on Saturday. Kristian will make his 100th appearance having only missed one match for the Club since making his debut for the Valley Commandos on 17th May 2019 – a remarkable feat by anyone’s standards!

The Pontypridd team selected to play Neath is as follows:

15. Oli Shepherd. 14. Louis Rochefort-Shugar. 13. Stuart Floyd-Ellis. 12. Garyn Smith. 11. Dale Stuckey. 10. Jaydan Pugh. 9. Joel Raikes.

1. Ben Stephens. 2. Rob Jones. 3. Kian Mattravers. 4. Mitch Barnard. 5. Kristian Parker. 6. Cai James. 7. Cally James (c). 8. Joe Miles.

Subs: 16. Jeff Young. 17. Ben Drew. 18. Dan Cotterell. 19. Will Jameson. 20. Lloyd Riley. 21. Lucus Welch. 22. Jacob Symes. 23. Sam Talbot.

Pob lwc bois!!

SUPPORTERS TRAVEL –

For those of you who have booked onto the Supporters Bus, it will leave Sardis Road at 1:00pm and post-match the bus will depart at the Gnoll at 5:30pm.

Phil Lycett’s contact number is 01443 662561.

PRE-MATCH HOSPITALITY –

Neath RFC have pre-match hospitality available for supporters of both clubs, check it out here via the following link to their official website – MATCH DAY HOSPITALITY – NEATH v PONTYPRIDD

GROUND ADDRESS –

For supporters making your own way to the ground, the postcode required for your sat-navs is SA11 3BU.

Make sure you get behind the boys and make some noise on Saturday #PontyFans