Pontypridd conclude their autumn tour of Gwent with a visit to Bedwas at the Bridge Fields (KO 2:30pm).
Ponty’s league itinerary over the past month has entailed trips to Pontypool, Ebbw Vale and Newport, and with a home game against another Gwent side, Cross Keys, thrown in for good measure.
Having edged into third place in the Principality Premiership, with valuable bonus points gained from each of their six matches played, Ponty will go all out for a valuable win on the road to maintain their momentum. Bedwas, with just the solitary win in five games played lie in twelfth position in the table.
A number of the Pontypridd squad remain sidelined by injuries. Ruled out this week are full backs Adam Thomas (thigh) and Gary Williams (ankle), outside halves Dai Flanagan (back) and Aaron Bramwell (hamstring), along with scrum half Gavin Morris (knee), flanker Kristian Dacey (shoulder) and prop Stuart Williams (back).
Matthew Nuthall reverts to the full back role, with the two Williams’- Owen and Lewis – on the wings. Young fly half Dean Gunter is given an extended run following his fine performance against Cross Keys last time out, partnered by scrum half Kristian Baller. Amongst the forwards, Grant Harrington returns from injury to play at lock, with Wayne O’Connor back in on the openside flank.
Ponty players turning out for neighbouring clubs this weekend will be full back Matt Hutchings for Ystrad Rhondda, wing Chris Clayton for Treorchy, prop John Williams for Aberdare, and locks Chris Martenko and Ryan Savage for Gilfach and Mountain Ash. Hooker Rhys Williams has been selected on the bench for the senior Blues squad.
Pontypridd:15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Kristian Baller; 1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Nathan Strong – cpt.
Replacements: Rhys Downes; Lee Thorne; Darren Waters; McCauley Cook; Lewis Smout; Ryan Harford; Tom Hetherington.
