Match Preview – Newport v Pontypridd
On Wednesday evening 1st November Pontypridd play Newport in the Indigo Group Premiership, the match at Newport Stadium kicks off at 7:15pm.
After back to back league wins over Neath and Bridgend, Ponty suffered defeat a week last Saturday away at Pontypool so will be looking to get back on track against Newport. Getting a maiden win at Newport Stadium will be no mean feat against the Black & Ambers who are enjoying an excellent start to the season sitting in 3rd place in the league. Last season Newport won all three matches between the two clubs – home and away in the Premiership and also in the semi-final of the Welsh Cup respectively.
The Valley Commandos will be looking to channel the spirit of 2019 this Wednesday evening, 2019 being the last time Ponty came away from the ‘Port with a win – tries from Alex Webber, Jamie Hill, Sean Moore and Morgan Richards saw Pontypridd edge a thriller 37-35 on Sunday 17th November 2019.
The Team News…
Pontypridd have made just two changes to the XV that started in our last outing at Pontypool a week last Saturday – one in the backs and one in the forwards. In the backline Ceri Morris returns to the matchday squad and starts at inside centre, in the pack Chris Dicomidis starts in the second row.
On the bench there are returns to the matchday squad for Gavin Parry, James Murphy and Joseph Scrivens.
Unavailable through injury are Ryan Wilkins, Aled Ward, Will Keep, Niko Matawalu, Cally James, Sion Parry, Tom Devine and Garyn Smith.
Pob lwc bois!
The Pontypridd team selected to play Newport is as follows:
15. Josh Phillips. 14. Liam Lloyd. 13. McCauley Rowley. 12. Ceri Morris. 11. Dale Stuckey. 10. Ben Burnell. 9. Joel Raikes.
1. Ben Stephens. 2. Curtis Greenslade. 3. Tom Harper. 4. Chris Dicomidis. 5. Macauley Cook. 6. Kristian Parker (c). 7. Cai James. 8. Joe Miles.
Subs: 16. Rob Jones. 17. Gavin Parry. 18. Morgan Bosanko. 19. Mitch Barnard. 20. James Murphy. 21. Harvey Nash. 22. Joseph Scrivens. 23. Kyan Lewis.
TICKET AND GROUND INFORMATION –
Supporters can purchase their tickets prior to the match online via the following link – Newport v Pontypridd tickets 1/11/2023 – They are priced at £14 adults, £10 concession and U16’s gaining free entry. Just to note, you’ll still be able to buy tickets on the gate Wednesday evening if you wish.
There will be food and refreshments (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available in the ground throughout the evening.
GROUND LOCATION –
Newport Stadium is situated to the south of the city. For those travelling by car with sat nav the nearest post code is NP19 4PT and parking is available at the ground.
