Match Preview – Pontypridd v Ebbw Vale
Pontypridd play their final match of the 2021-22 Indigo Group Welsh Premiership season on Saturday 23rd April against Ebbw Vale. The Steelmen come to Sardis Road for a 2:30pm kick-off.
Ponty will be looking to finish off the season on high with the goal of finishing as high up the league table as possible. Ahead of the match skipper Kris Parker said: “After a long season the boys are looking forward to running out on home soil before the summer break. After two tough losses it’s paramount that we finish strong and with a vocal crowd we are sure the W will come.”
There’s lots going on in and and around the ground throughout the day on Saturday, all that information is below after the team news.
The team news…
There are three changes to the XV that started against Cardiff last Thursday – in the backline Cole Swannack returns from the Wales 7’s to start at fullback and Jake Lloyd slots back in at flyhalf allowing Ceri Morris to shift across to inside centre. There’s one change in the forwards with Tom Devine earning a start at loose-head prop.
On the bench there are returns to the matchday squad for hooker Jack Walker and lock James Murphy.
The Pontypridd team selected to play Ebbw Vale is as follows:
15. Cole Swannack. 14. Jac Davies. 13. Bradley Roderick. 12. Ceri Morris. 11. Dale Stuckey. 10. Jake Lloyd. 9. Joel Raikes
1. Tom Devine. 2. Rob Jones. 3. Tom Harper. 4. Kristian Parker (c). 5. Chris Dicomidis. 6. Cai James. 7. Cally James. 8. Joe Miles
Subs: 16. Jack Walker. 17. Ben Stephens. 18. Morgan Bosanko. 19. James Murphy. 20. Jack Pope. 21. Lucus Welch. 22. Llywarch ap Myrddin. 23. Morgan Richards
A super-busy Sardis Road on Saturday…
Former Players Association –
The Former Players Association (FPA) are holding their AGM in the Egan Clubhouse Lounge at 12:30pm. It will be the first get together for the FPA since pre-covid pandemic. All former players, including those that are not currently a member of the association are welcome to attend.
The FPA are hoping to attract new members to join them, so if that applies to you, please contact Chairman of the FPA Wayne Evans on 07836697753 or e-mail the club at club@ponty.net before the day and arrangements will be made so that you are able to gain free access into the ground for the occasion.
Supporter information –
There’s lots of live sport on our screens in the clubhouse throughout the day. Firstly football – Arsenal v Manchester United in the Premier League which kicks-off at 12:30. Then Gallagher English Premiership rugby action – Harlequins v Leicester which kicks off at 3:00pm.
After the match there’s live music, excellent solo artist Debbie Morgan will be starting her set at around 5:30pm in the clubhouse after Ponty’s match.
Around the ground –
PLEASE NOTE – Due to staff shortages the Grandstand Bar will not be open before/during the game. As a result the can bar will now be placed next to the Grandstand and will be cash only.
Scorchini’s Mobile Pizzeria van is back by popular demand after a highly successful debut outing against Llanelli a few weeks back and keep an eye out for an ice-cream van for your enjoyment.
As many of you will have already seen, it’s Mind and Ponty RFC’s Mental Health Awareness week and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind will be present in the ground throughout the afternoon to give out information and advice #ItTakesBallsToTalk – Pontypridd RFC supporting Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind – Pontypridd-RFC
Ground information –
Supporters are reminded that the Pwllgwaun end remains closed and access is only via the clubhouse entrance. Ticket prices for the game are priced at £12 for adults and £10 for concessions with under 16’s gaining free entrance provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.
With an enjoyable, action-packed day in prospect, for the last time this season Sardis Road is THE place to be this Saturday!
