01 Pontypridd V Llanelli - League Game 7th March 2009

Taking on the best of the West

5.3.2009


Macca is back

Pontypridd will play hosts to premiership leaders Llanelli on Saturday 7th March, the game kicking off at 2:30pm.

Fighting their way out of mid table mediocrity in the premier division is proving to be a difficult task for Ponty, currently in seventh position, and with ten league games remaining, a consistent run of winning results is a priority.

Home form might be the key to Pontys short term success, with a 100% record at Sardis Road so far this season, and with six of their remaining fixtures to be played on home soil. A model of consistency with thirteen wins from their sixteen games played, Llanelli will provide a stern test of Pontys resolve.

A combination of injuries, and regional and international call ups have affected Pontys selection policy, with their quota of substitutes for the Llanelli game liable to late changes.

Wingers Lewis Williams and Owen Williams have both pulled up in training this week with knee and hamstrings problems respectively, with lock Chris Martenko still sidelined with neck spasms. Winger Chris Clayton is close to full fitness following a long standing abdominal injury, but not yet ready for action.

Fly half Dai Flanagan is away with the Blues senior squad in Connacht on Friday evening, but hopeful of making the return trip to Sardis in time for Saturday afternoon. Scrum half Rhys Downes and hooker Rhys Williams are both unavailable, on duty with the Wales under 20 squad.
Making a timely recovery from a hamstring strain is outside half Gareth McCarthy, whilst Lawrence Price steps up to play on the wing.

The Pontypridd team selected to face Llanelli is as follows:

15.Matthew Hutchings. 14.Lawrence Price. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Kristian Baller. 10.Gareth McCarthy. 9.Andrew Jenkins.
1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Ryan Savage. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Wayne OConnor. 8.Nathan Strong cpt.
Subs: Mike Davies; Dai Flanagan; Geraint Lewis; Leighton Davies; Grant Harrington; Ryan Harford; Stuart Williams.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Pontypridd
• RFC
• Ponty
• Rugby
• Wales
• Llanelli
• Nathan
• Strong
• Paul
• John
• Dale
• Mcintosh