Newcastle Emlyn v Pontypridd – Match Preview

There will be new surroundings for Pontypridd RFC on Saturday 14th December when the team travel away to play Newcastle Emlyn RFC. The Admiral Premiership match at Dôl Wiber kicks off at 2:30pm.

This week’s match will herald a first ever meeting between Ponty and the Coch a Gwyn, as well as a return to action for both clubs after all Premiership matches were postponed because of the adverse weather last weekend.

Pontypridd are currently in 1st place in the Premiership table with Newcastle Emlyn in 12th, however, both teams are unbeaten in their last two league outings – Ponty have recently enjoyed wins against Neath and Brecon whilst Saturday’s hosts won their last match against Bargoed and drew against Ystrad Rhondda prior to that. Another large contingent of travelling Ponty supporters are once again expected to make the journey west to get behind the team on Saturday.

The Team News…

Despite last week’s match falling foul to the weather, the team to play Cross Keys had been picked and this week’s selection has a similar look to it with just three changes and one positional switch to last Saturday’s XV. The Pontypridd coaching team also have the luxury of having a fully fit squad at their disposal to choose from for this Saturday’s match.

There are two changes in the forwards, both at prop, with Ben Stephens and Garyn Daniel being drafted in. The sole change in the backline sees Joe Davies return on the wing allowing Dale Stuckey to switch to fullback.

There are two new faces amongst the replacements, the first being a recall for Cole Parry and the second a return from injury for Morgan Bosanko.

The Pontypridd team selected to play Newcastle Emlyn is as follows:

15. Dale Stuckey. 14. Joe Davies. 13. Stuart Floyd-Ellis. 12. Garyn Smith. 11. Louis Rochefort-Shugar. 10. Jaydan Pugh. 9. Lucus Welch.

1. Ben Stephens. 2. Rob Jones. 3. Garyn Daniel. 4. Mitch Barnard. 5. Kristian Parker. 6. Cai James. 7. Cally James (c). 8. Lloyd Riley.

Subs: 16. Jeff Young. 17. Ben Drew. 18. Morgan Bosanko. 19. Cole Parry. 20. Joe Miles. 21. Joel Raikes. 22. Jacob Symes. 23. Ioan Evans.

GROUND INFORMATION –

Some info to bring you from our hosts ahead of this weekend – as they are expecting a big crowd they have recommended that supporters carshare where possible, they have booked an extra outside bar and they are looking forward to welcoming everyone.

SUPPORTERS TRAVEL –

The Pontypridd Supporters Club are organising travel for fans to the match. For those of you who have booked, the bus will leave Sardis Road at 10:45am ahead of the 2:30pm kick-off and the bus will depart Dôl Wiber at 5:30pm. Phil Lycett’s contact number is 01443 662561.

GROUND ADDRESS –

For Ponty Fans making your own way to the ground, the address for your sat-nav is – Dôl Wiber, Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn, SA38 9AZ

Safe travels everyone, we’ll see you Saturday.