Final countdown

A competitive encounter between Cardiff RFC and Pontypridd RFC usually needs no add-on factors to spice up the fixture, but there is much more than pride and prejudice to play for as the two clubs face up to a final countdown on Tuesday evening.

The last game of a long hard league season for Ponty will see the battle for second position in the premiership table go right down to the wire. Three clubs can potentially claim the runners up spot behind champions Neath – Cardiff, currently in second place on 76 points, Swansea or Pontypridd, both following up close behind on 75 points. On Tuesday evening Cardiff play hosts to Pontypridd and Neath to Swansea, with all to play for in both games.

The traditional rivalry between Ponty and Cardiff will be enhanced by the bid to be the top club from the Blues region, and with the Valley Commandoes also eager to avenge a home league defeat at the hands of their city opponents back in December.

Pontypridd make six changes from the team which started against Neath last Friday evening, claiming a morale boosting victory over the champions. Lawrence Price returns from injury to take up a centre position, with Kristian Baller coming in on the wing. Duane Goodfield returns to the hooker’s berth, Chris Dicomidis at lock, and Lee Evans and Geraint Lewis into a new look back row combination. Matthew Hutchings continues in the outside half role which he fulfilled with distinction down at the Gnoll.

The Pontypridd team to face Cardiff is named as follows:-

15.Jason Pocock. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Lawrence Price. 12.Tom Riley. 11.Kristian Baller. 10.Matthew Hutchings. 9.Andrew Jenkins.

1.Ian Poley. 2.Duane Goodfield. 3.Sam Hobbs. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Lee Evans. 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Geraint Lewis.

Subs: Paul Matthews; Owen Williams; Owen Cotton; Rhys Williams; Ryan Savage; Chris Martenko; Rhys Shellard.