The Principality Premiership treadmill picks up speed for Pontypridd this week as the club heads into two league games within the space of four days.
Ponty at least have home advantage in both fixtures, an encounter against Pontypool on Saturday preceded by an early return match against Glamorgan Wanderers on Wednesday evening (KO 7.15pm).
Just over two weeks ago Ponty travelled to the Ely Memorial Ground and gained a close fought win over the Wanderers, the true nature of the contest not reflected in the 15-47 score-line.
Sitting on top of the Premiership table at this early stage of the campaign Pontypridd will seek to maintain their 100% record so far by completing the double over the Wanderers.
“This is a big week for us,” commented Ponty team manager Richard Langmead. “We got off to a great start with an away win at Aberavon last Saturday, but now have it all to do with two games coming in quick succession.
“It will be tough against an in form Pontypool on Saturday, but we must focus totally on the Wanderers game first off.
“We are in a good situation that we have strength in depth amongst the squad, and can keep players fresh by rotating our selection”.
That policy is reflected in no fewer than 10 changes made from the starting line up at Aberavon. Full back David Gratton makes his first start of the season, with Dean Gunter and Kristian Baller returning as a half back partnership.
A new back row combination will see Jake Thomas and Darren Waters packing down each side of no 8 Brendan Lyons, in a side captained from centre by Dafydd Lockyer.
Pontypridd: 15.David Gratton. 14.Gareth Wyatt. 13.Dafydd Lockyer – cpt. 12.Gary Williams. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Kristian Baller; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Tom Hetherington. 3.Phil Osborne. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Jake Thomas. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Brendan Lyons.
Subs: Garyn Lucas; Simon Humberstone; Adam Thomas; Huw Dowden; Chris Dicomidis; Wayne O’Connor; Ken Knaggs.
