Ponty Youth raring to go

Pontypridd Youth have been preparing for the coming season with plenty of energy and commitment shown by the squad during summer training.

Following a relatively low-key 2018-19 campaign by their usual high standards, pre-season has gone well for Ponty Youth, the squad shaping up nicely with a strong contingent stepping up from last season’s Under 16s to bolster the ranks.

Along with the new influx from within the Ponty age-grade system, exciting three-quarter Will Huggins has joined from near neighbours Llantwit Fadre to add pace to back line. Three of the Youth squad, Cai James, Keian Richards and Harrison Chapman, have been selected for this year’s Blues 18s squad.

Pre-season games have gone well in terms of performance if not results, commencing with a stern test against Ospreys champions Morriston in which Ponty gave a good account of themselves before narrowly going down by four tries to three against and older, well drilled side. Next up was an appearance in the Caerphilly 10s tournament where the Youth conceded defeat to eventual winners Brynmawr in the group stage and then clinched 3rd place in the bronze medal decider against Senghenydd. On Friday 30th September the final summer friendly ended in a narrow 13pts to 10 defeat away to Resolven Youth.

Aneurin James and Keian Richards (pictured above) have been named as Ponty Youth captain and vice-captain for the coming season, both players offering a wealth of experience having represented the Blues age grades and Aneurin being capped for Wales at U16 and U19 level.

Former Youth and senior player Greg Mogford has come in as backs coach to replace the departing Andy Price.

A massive ‘thank you’ is offered from all at the Youth Section to Chris Kingsbury and Andy Price who have stepped down from their duties. Chris had been with the Youth in various roles, most recently Secretary for many years and will leave a big gap to fill whilst Andy had coached the Youth over the last seven years and now leaves for pastures new with all the best wishes for the future.

Ponty Youth will commence their Blues Premiership league campaign with a home tie at Sardis Road against local rivals Beddau on Saturday 7th September – 2:30pm ko. Another date to note is a Friday night match under the lights on 20th September against touring South African side the ‘Tony Stoops Invitation XV’.