Captain's Blog # 13

At long last I've got some time to myself to sit down and pen a blog. I know it's been a while, but it's also been a while since we last played!!

A very frustrating few months for us all have passed by, with numerous games being called off due to the weather - unfortunately most of these having been at home. I know the club and volunteers have put a lot of effort into getting these games played and it has hit the club hard with no income over usually a busy festive period.

Reading Terrace Talk I know it has been a bone of contention for a lot of “t-talkers” regarding the playing surface at Sardis Road. The council are apparently spending a fair whack on drainage and work is well underway looking at the diggers and pipe-work that lay in front of the clubhouse… good luck to them!!

Training has also been a stop start affair with suitable facilities being sporadically available. A road run and some hill sprints being one option, a session in the boxing gym another, and luckily with Johnsy's position we managed a couple of contact sessions with Llanharan on the ‘4g’ pitch at the Vale. These sessions have been very valuable in keeping the team ticking over.

Hopefully we can play a competitive game this coming weekend. After training on Tuesday night we were in a huddle and when it was my turn to speak, I mentioned the game coming up on Saturday, and keeping the ball rolling… Keep the ball rolling? We need to get the ball rolling first!! 

There were a few surprises last week in the cup, notably our rivals for honours over recent years Neath being beaten by Glamorgan Wanderers. Felinfoel will no doubt turn up all guns blazing in an attempt to take a premiership scalp but I know our boys are itching to play and will also be fired up. As long as we play like I know we can Swansea will be the opposition in the next round at home - a good opportunity for us to push for some silverware this season!

The trouble with all the recent postponements is that these games need to be re-arranged, and a long hard few months ahead are to be had. This will push the strength of the squad to its limits. Players will no doubt get injured and Johnsy and Chief will need to utilise all resources in order for us to hopefully be successful and finish the season on a high.

As most of you are aware, the players fully appreciate the level of support we have at Pontypridd and I truly believe you all make a big difference on game day - lets keep that going, starting on Saturday through till the end of the season.

OLE OLE OLE, PONTY!

Nathan Strong

20/01/10