02 Pontypridd V Llandovery 29th August 2009 League Game

Pontypridd v Llandovery preview
Aug 29 2009 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

THREE years ago the Drovers won the opening game of the season at Sardis Road by an amazing 33-13 scoreline, but they will know that very few sides come away with the points from here.

Ponty admittedly have injuries that include vice-captain Gavin Dacey, but new fly-half Aaron Bramwell has got over his ankle problem, as has flanker Wayne OConnor from a shoulder strain, and centre Adam Thomas has roared back from playing in New Zealand.

Dafydd Lockyer and Matthew Nuthall are back from Neath, though it is at half-back where the game could be won or lost as Llandovery have Cerith Rees back home after a long spell in France.

Josh Turnbull, who did not play on the Wales tour of North America, is in from the Scarlets and there are several other debutants, including Louie Tonkin, the Uwic lock of a few seasons back, and flanker Nio Aiono, who is with his fourth Welsh club.

Pontypridd: M Nuthall; C Clayton, A Thomas, D Lockyer, L Williams; A Bramwell, R Downes; S Hobbs, H Dowden, P Palmer, R Savage, C Dicomidis, K Dacey, N Strong (capt), W OConnor.

Llandovery: N Clapham; M Jacobs, D Rogers, R Williams, M Davies; Cerith Rees, R Walters (capt); P Edwards, A Yelland, A Jones, R Gierat, Lou Tonkin, N Aiono, J Turnbull, L Phillips.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Pontypridd
• RFC
• Ponty
• Wales
• Rugby
• Llandovery