Pontypridd v Merthyr – match preview

Pontypridd host valley rivals Merthyr in a televised match at Sardis Road on Friday evening 22nd November, the match kicking off at 7:05pm.

An intense rivalry has built up between the clubs since Merthyr’s rise to the top division, with Ponty overall coming off second best, winning only two of seven league encounters. One of those successes did however come in the corresponding fixture last season, when Ponty rounded off their campaign in May with an impressive 47pts to 19 victory.

The Ironmen are already one up on Ponty this season, having secured a 39pts to 19 win in the first round of the National Cup.

Despite Merthyr’s recent domination the two teams are currently closely paired in third and fourth positions in the table with four wins apiece, Ponty trailing by a solitary bonus point.

It will be all to play for at the House of Pain, regardless of league status and past results, the match standing its ground as a fierce valleys derby clash with no added spice required.

Te latest injury victim for Pontypridd is prop Ben Stephens who came off in the last game against Newport with a bruised rib. His absence is countered by the return of Huw Owen having been assessed for a head knock. Drafted into the Ponty starting line-up is promising Blues Academy and Wales under 18 centre Mason Grady.