Matchday Preview – Aberavon v Pontypridd

This Saturday 3rd December Pontypridd are back in action following a weekend off, and it’s a switch of focus for the Valley Commandos as they travel to play Aberavon in the Welsh Cup – the match at the Talbot Athletic Ground kicks off at 2:30pm.

It’s a new format for the Welsh National Cup this season with all 12 Premiership clubs split into 4 pools of 3 teams. Pontypridd are in Pool B of the competition with Aberavon and Bridgend. Despite Ponty losing their first match in the competition at home against Bridgend, it’s all still to play for. We’ll take a look at the pool (below) and then explain what is required from this Saturday’s match for the team to progress to the next round.

Only the 4 x pool winners qualify for the semi-final stage of the competition. Bridgend have completed their matches, winning one and losing one and Aberavon beating Bridgend 49-14 on 22/10/22 means the Wizards currently occupy the all-important top spot. Ponty lie in 3rd position but earning two bonus points in our opening match against Bridgend could prove crucial.

It means Ponty need to beat Aberavon on Saturday and deny the Wizards any losing bonus points from the match to leapfrog both teams into first position. It’s all still to play for although Pontypridd will be under no illusion of the enormity of the task away against a side whose home ground has become somewhat of a fortress in recent years.

Past meetings…

This Saturday will be Ponty’s first visit to the Talbot Athletic ground in over 4 years! The last time the two clubs met in Port Talbot, on Saturday 15th September 2018, tries from Alex Webber, Ceri Sweeney and Morgan Sieniawski were not quite enough as Ponty went down 25 points to 19.

This season the two clubs locked horns at Sardis Road last month, Aberavon won the contest 33-18 – for Ponty Joe Miles and Nathan Huish crossed for a try apiece, Joseph Scrivens kicked 8 points and Aled Ward was awarded a Golden Bob/WRU Man of the Match double following an excellent individual display.

Supporter information…

The Pontypridd RFC Supporters Club are organising transport to the ground – the bus will leave Sardis Road at 12:45pm with the game at Aberavon kicking off at 2:30pm.

Travelling to Ponty’s away matches on one of Edwards Coaches is a comfortable and convenient way to support the team. The price for a seat on the bus is £10 per person.

To book a seat on the bus to Aberavon please call Phil Lycett on – 01443 662561.

For Ponty Fans making your own way to the ground, the address for your sat-nav is Talbot Athletic Ground, Manor Street, SA13 1AB.

Your support will really make the difference this Saturday as the team look to keep their Welsh Cup dream alive.