If there is an old oak tree growing somewhere in the vicinity of Sardis Road, the officials of Pontypridd could well tie a yellow ribbon around it tomorrow, as the Premiership tie against Cardiff denotes a significant home-coming event. (KO 2.30pm)
The last match played at Sardis was way back on 24th October, and the memories of that close fought win over Newport have all but been washed away by the incessant deluge that followed.
Ponty will now seek to make the most of their return to home advantage with a much needed victory to boost their Premiership campaign. They will also do their utmost to preserve a two year ground record dating back to December 2007, when Cardiff ironically were the last visiting team to win a competitive game at the “House of Pain”.
Making a welcome return to club duties for Ponty are centre Gavin Dacey and outside half Dean Gunter, both having been away in the Dubai Sevens. Captain and No 8 Nathan Strong and hooker Huw Dowden also return from injury, whilst wing Kristian Baller and centre Adam Thomas have both been declared fit following knocks suffered in the away defeat at Aberavon last weekend.
Unavailable for Pontypridd are regional delegates, outside half Dai Flanagan, prop Sam Hobbs and hooker Rhys Williams with the Blues, and prop Pat Palmer with the Dragons.
Pontypridd: 15. Matthew Nuthall. 14. Kristian Baller. 13. Gavin Dacey. 12. Adam Thomas. 11. Lewis Williams. 10. Dean Gunter. 9. Rhys Downes; 1. Stuart Williams. 2. Huw Dowden. 3. Ryan Harford. 4. Grant Harrington. 5. Ryan Savage. 6. Chris Dicomidis. 7. Wayne O’Connor. 8. Nathan Strong (capt)
Replacements: Aaron Bramwell; Chris Clayton; Lewis Smout; Tom Hetherington; Chris Martenko; Rhys Lloyd; Darren Waters.
