Pontypridd will be attempting to play catch-up on their Premiership campaign as they resume league duties with an away trip to Swansea on Friday evening (KO 7:15pm).
Due to British & Irish Cup commitments and to avoid any clashes with Wales’ Six Nations itinerary, the Premiership fixture list of late has become rather sporadic.
Ponty’s last league game was their big home win over Pontypool, almost a month ago, and their lack of participation has seen them drop down to sixth position in the table, albeit with two or three games in hand on the clubs above them. One of those is Swansea, who hold on to second place despite a shock away defeat at Pontypool last time out.
Having brought to a close their disappointing BIC campaign, Ponty will now regroup to focus on the league. Injuries, regional and international call-ups are still proving to be a drain on the squad, but the situation eased by other players returning to fitness.
Away with Wales Sevens is full-back Aaron Bramwell, with Wales under 20s are outside half Dean Gunter, scrum half Rhys Downes, hooker Rhys Williams and lock Macauley Cook, and with the Blues is hooker Huw Dowden.
Having been given the all clear to make an early return to action are lock Chris Martenko and flanker Kristian Dacey, who may also cover at hooker, while outside half Dai Flanagan resumes club duties following an extended spell with the Blues, all three taking a place on the bench.
Called up on permit from neighbouring club Llantwit Fardre is former Ponty stalwart Geraint Lewis who will take over the No 8 position from “just married” Nathan Strong.
Pontypridd: 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey – cpt. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Matthew Hutchings. 9.Kristian Baller; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Tom Hetherington. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Geraint Lewis.
Subs: Owen Williams; Gavin Morris; Dai Flanagan; Jon Williams; Ken Knaggs; Chris Martenko; Kristian Dacey.
