Ponty Schools go into Dewar Shield showdown with Cardiff

Pontypridd Schools go into a Dewar Shield semi-final showdown against their Cardiff counterparts on Wednesday 21st March, the match at the Arms Park kicking off at 7pm.

The winner of the tie will progress to the tournament final at the Principality Stadium. The other Dewar Shield semi-final will be played between Rhondda Schools and either Llanelli or RGC, who are due to play a qualifying eliminator.

Pontypridd, Rhondda and Cardiff dominated the Dewar league competition to qualify for the knock-out rounds. The only game that Pontypridd lost throughout the campaign was away to Cardiff, by 26pts to 10 on 8th December. The aim now will be to redress that defeat in the winner takes all semi final tie.

According to Pontypridd Schools assistant coach Joe Popple, the squad has progressed since that earlier defeat and should be in better shape to face their city rivals this time around.

“The boys have been working hard, improving their strength and conditioning under the supervision of USW coaches and also focusing on skills and game plans. The strides made since Christmas have been noticeable, and we managed to beat Cardiff in a friendly in late December.

“Of course past results will count for nothing when we face Cardiff again on Wednesday. This will be a typical one-off cup tie and anything can happen in such a game.”