Pontypridd will attempt to get their stop-start season back up and running as they host Pontypool at Sardis Road on Boxing Day, the festive fixture kicking off at 2:30pm.
A combination of floods and freezing weather has had a significant impact on Ponty’s schedules over the past two months, and coupled with two league defeats in their last two outings, has seen the club slip from pole position to fifth in the Premiership.
An opportunity now arises, first and foremost to have a game played, also to complete a first league double of the season following Ponty’s away win at Pontypool Park back in September by 15-48.
Pontypool, although occupying bottom position in the table, have been revitalised by a change in their coaching set up and will offer stiff resistance as they battle for Premiership survival.
Pontypridd have their ranks bolstered by the return of Blues trio, prop Sam Hobbs, hooker Rhys Williams and fly-half Dai Flanagan from regional duties. Absent on domestic leave is flanker Rhys Lloyd.
Pontypridd: 15.Aaron Bramwell. 14.Kristian Baller. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Matthew Nuthall. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Sam Hobbs. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.McCauley Cook. 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Nathan Strong (capt)
Subs: Stuart Williams; Rhys Williams; Grant Harrington; Wayne O’Connor; Dai Flanagan; Dafydd Lockyer; Chris Clayton.
