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100 Club
RhwsPontyFan Congratulations to Owen Williams, Huw Dowden, Dai Flanagan, Dan Godfrey and Rhys Shellard on being presented their 100 caps today. They join an elite group of Ponty players present and past. Well Done!
on 25.5.13 at 21:47
Pre Season Friendlies
archie Who would you like to see come to the house of pain for pre season??? Would be great if we could get a Leicester etc to Sardis.The club must still have links with these side from our european, parker pen cup/shield days???
on 25.5.13 at 11:43
- Blotto Blues, ospreys, Scarlett's and dragons. One a week. Would raise our profile big time.
  on 25.5.13 at 15:13
  - Pontyboy! Cardiff are recruiting early signing scarlet Jonathan Edwards and former scarlet and Cornish pirates outside half ceirion Thomas.
    
    on 25.5.13 at 21:20
In Reply
Willsponty Having watched our championship winning performance a few more times, and reading the post below re Regional support opportunities, I thought I would give my view on Derwyn Jones is comments on s4c about his dissapointment that the Blxxx don't get the support that Ponty get, whilst financially I can't see a Valleys franchise/Region working or ever being viable, if I had a failing business in Cdff and Market research told me I had the potential to revive and grow it in Ponty by maybe rebranding it, surely any simpleton would do just that- and they think we are troglodytes !
on 25.5.13 at 11:37
- iksmudge@yahoo.co.uk The thing is: does anyone really need/want us to compete as a region in a crap meaningless league that will cost significantly more to watch games.
  For me, it's all about value for money. At the moment I'm getting REAL value for money and none of the FALSE rubbish that would be served up in the Rabbit food league.
  on 25.5.13 at 20:14
  - winsky01 Agree 100% iksmudge! This for me is another reason why IF it ever took off Valleys rugby would die on its backside. Who would pay £20+ a ticket each week to watch them at Ebbw Vale, Pontypool, Pontypridd get hammered each week?
    on 25.5.13 at 20:56
Regional statistics. The myth and the truth? Maybe...
pontyboysdad
As I had a spare moment just looked through the population bases that support the regions (yes I should get out more). This first lot is what the WRU probably believe. You will understand why they believe in investing in the North. More interesting is the figure for Llanelli.
Cardiff. 798,000
Ospreys. 629,000
Newport. 576,000
North Wales. 721,000
This is based on the (WRU) assumption that the various valley areas actually support "their region". If you believe that the valleys are disenfranchised and that a valley region should be formed then this is the redrawn map. You can see why some people would not want this to happen.....dire consequences for some.
Cardiff. 472,000
Ospreys. 629,000
Llanelli. 415,000
Newport. 237,000
Valleys. 666,000
North Wales. 721,000
This is based on census data by council and assumes that Powys splits across various regions. It can be a bit rough and ready but......
on 25.5.13 at 11:16
- pontyboysdad Sorry Llanelli for first lot tis 415,000
  on 25.5.13 at 11:18
Regional statistics. The myth and the truth? Maybe...
pontyboysdad
As I had a spare moment just looked through the population bases that support the regions (yes I should get out more). This first lot is what the WRU probably believe. You will understand why they believe in investing in the North. More interesting is the figure for Llanelli.
Cardiff. 798,000
Ospreys. 629,000
Newport. 576,000
North Wales. 721,000
This is based on the (WRU) assumption that the various valley areas actually support "their region". If you believe that the valleys are disenfranchised and that a valley region should be formed then this is the redrawn map. You can see why some people would not want this to happen.....dire consequences for some.
Cardiff. 472,000
Ospreys. 629,000
Llanelli. 415,000
Newport. 237,000
Valleys. 666,000
North Wales. 721,000
This is based on census data by council and assumes that Powys splits across various regions. It can be a bit rough and ready but......
on 25.5.13 at 11:15
Under 20's
ianto Congratulations to Owen Jenkins who joins Tom Pascoe in the Wales under 20's. No-one could have told the WRU that in Ponty we don't help develop players. LOL!
on 24.5.13 at 20:07
- Pontydragon In the 1920's. world famous performers made Scranton a stop on their concert tours, typically before going on the New York City. It had been said of vaudeville and popular entertainers -- "If you can play Scranton, you can play anywhere." The same was true for classical music performers.
  Thus, the correlation....If you haven't played rugby for Ponty, you have yet to play rugby.
  Good luck Owen!!!!!!
  on 25.5.13 at 1:41
  - ComeonthePont! Like it PD!
    on 25.5.13 at 11:06
Just Testing
Silverback Is it working?
on 24.5.13 at 17:16
- Silverback Ah it is (at last) Now, how do i delete this :-/
  on 24.5.13 at 17:17
  - Pontydragon hahaha....if this is who I think it is, you're the best! ;-)
    on 25.5.13 at 1:30
    - Silverback :-) Cheers PD - Thought it was About time i contributed to the forum. Tried a couple of times but kept ballsing it up.
      on 25.5.13 at 10:37
Pontypridd v Llanelli 18-05-2013
Ponty Dog Pontypridd v Llanelli 18-05-2013

http://Level Item Description Revision Type Status Engineering Item Item Seq Op Seq Alternate Engineering Bill Comments UOM Basis Quantity Planning % Yield Extended Quantity Effectivity Control From To From Date To Date Implemented ECO Supply Type Subinventory Locator Costed Unit Cost Extended Quantity Extended Cost Operation Seq Manufacturing Offset Cumulative Manufacuturing Cumulative Total Optional Mutually Exclusive ATP Min Qty Max Qty Sales Order Basis Shippable Include on Ship Docs Required To Ship Required For Revenue
on 24.5.13 at 13:10
- Ponty Dog Pontypridd v Llanelli 18-05-2013
  on 24.5.13 at 13:11
Bye bye Joe!
martyn lewis Welsh rugby news from WalesOnline
Like This PageLiked · 7 minutes ago
.
Wales head of rugby Joe Lydon leaving to join RFU in England http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wales-head-rugby-joe-lydon-4011028Unlike · · Share
You like this..1 share.
on 24.5.13 at 11:53
- Daiponty1 Glad he has left Welsh rugby 'much better off' - he was just RL's bitch along with DP. Good tactics from the RFU though - send him over to Wales, wruin grass roots and then we will get him back!
  on 24.5.13 at 16:18
- Gareth Harris
  Surprised he ever got the job. Usually 'jobs for the boys.' You watch somebody from Llanelli replace him.
  on 24.5.13 at 14:32
  - martyn lewis What about Boris Johnson? Any more ideas for this top job?
    on 24.5.13 at 17:04
  - Chief Stuart Gallaghers's will prob get it :)
    on 24.5.13 at 16:00
    - Neil S Only one man in Wales for the job...Chief...oops I'll shut up ;-)
      on 24.5.13 at 19:56
      - RhwsPontyFan My money is on Rupert Moon who is with RGC1404 at the moment.
        on 24.5.13 at 20:54
Saturday
Gareth Harris
Nearly a whole week gone now. No Ponty to watch this Saturday. Withdrawal symptoms setting in already. Didn't want the season to end, It's goiung to be a long summer!
on 24.5.13 at 11:31
- Pontyboyo Watch the play off final. I plan on watching it. Then watch the cup final. repeat every Saturday until about August time when the pre season games will likely start. Sorted.
  on 24.5.13 at 12:32
  - ComeonthePont! Aviva Play Off tomorrow and French Top 14 next week (and of course the Lions / Baa Baas side show
    COTP
    on 24.5.13 at 14:40
    - Silverback Anyone on here going to the lions?
      on 24.5.13 at 17:07
      - Gareth Harris I'm going to the dogs!
        on 24.5.13 at 23:18
Future years BIC and Relegation next season
Ed Roberts Further to my previous post, I emailed the WRuin again for some more information on the above topics. Here is their response.
"Point 1: As explained previously it was the desire of the Premiership Clubs to implement the system that we will have next season, for the reasons I outlined in the email. In addition to this the general feeling was they did not want to change the system for the foreseeable future. We will however as a matter of course review how it has gone at the end of next season. Additionally, as I explained the RFU manage and the administrate the system so not all changes are within our control.
Point 2: Unfortunately I can't fully answer your query here due to the stage of our consultation process. As you will be aware the Participation Agreement for the Premier Division was for an initial two seasons ending at the end of season 2013/14. We consult with National Championship Clubs, Premiership Clubs, Regional Organisations and Elected District Representatives as to the makeup of the Premiership beyond this date. We are coming towards the end of this process when it will be formally announced."
Point 1 was about the BIC so nothing new there but Point 2 is about relegation from the Premiership and promotion from the Championship. It will be very interesting to see the final result!!! if relegation is agreed ( will the Regions allow it?) and Cardiff finish bottom would they be relegated?? I think not.
on 23.5.13 at 20:36
- winsky01 Sad that the regions have an input, it really is. They have their own cushy little league where they can be as uncompetitive as they want without the fear of being relegated. Why should they have any influence over the Welsh Premiership? The teams in Premiership are clubs/companies in their own right but of course the majority of them will bow to their affiliated region and do as commanded. The system stinks (as we all know).
  on 23.5.13 at 21:59
  - dunhukin They will find a way of getting the team from North Wales promoted.
    on 24.5.13 at 18:29
    - winsky01 They are at the moment. Their rise thanks to investment means at this rate they'll be in the Rabo in 5 years, the WRU will make sure of that.
      on 25.5.13 at 0:13
      - dunhukin Shame Ponty are't based in Colwyn Bay. If we were, we might be the fifth region!!!!
        on 25.5.13 at 0:23
        Neil S Yet more evidence of favouritism and non level playing fields. It's disgusting when you actually think about it. Every club at RGC's level receives miniscule funding except one, which receives much more and a free state of teh art ground. Of course it is all fair in the eyes of the WRU.
        on 25.5.13 at 8:11
        ComeonthePont! Develop the North at the expense of the Valleys
        Will fail
        on 25.5.13 at 11:07
  - Neil S The whole of Welsh rugby is all a big political stitch up with the regions and the WRU promoting self interest and favouritism before competitive meritocracy. It is a sad state of affairs. Nobody (and I mean nobody) has the balls to challenge the mess.
    on 24.5.13 at 10:07
Sad news
Twitch Would just like to pay my respects and condolences to Alex Evans and to his family and friends. Very sad news. Rest in peace buddy.
on 22.5.13 at 23:13
- Doris How very sad, my deepest sympathy to Alex's family and friends.
  on 23.5.13 at 20:37
  - ComeonthePont! Most definitely the same sentiments from me too
    on 23.5.13 at 21:50
    - Martin Williams Condolences to family.
      on 23.5.13 at 22:04
      - Neil S Very sad. RIP brave young man.
        on 24.5.13 at 10:05
noooooo - tweet to keep ED
Daiponty1 Ealing Trailfinders Add Five More To Their Squad For Season 13/14
Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce five more signings for season 13/14:

Ed Siggery – Pontypridd – Back row

Josh Elliot – Bath Uni – Hooker

Conor Carey – Ulster – Prop

Dan Collier – Unattached – Second row

Jordan Saunders - Cardiff Met Uni - Prop

Ed Siggery has the ability to play 6 and 8. He is 6’3 and 112kg. Ed has played for Wales U20 before being signed by London Irish. Currently he plays for Pontypridd where they have finished top of the Welsh Premiership. Ealing Trailfinders are looking forward to seeing him making a big impact in the Championship.
on 22.5.13 at 19:32
- Sam Sad times, but he is good enough to be a pro, so good luck to him. Always welcome back ''THE SIGG''
  As long as we keep Jake we will be ok at 6. We probably need though to get another 6 in as cover, and maybe an 8 to give dan godfrey a breather more often
  on 22.5.13 at 21:53
  - Pontyboyo Firstly best of luck to Sig he deserves a chance at pro level.
    
    I think Sieniawski should be given a chance at 6 as I feel we have enough cover in the second row. He's not let us down when he's played. And hopefully Sheppard can stay injury free and he is more than capable of stepping in for Dan at 8.
    on 22.5.13 at 22:18
    - Pontydragon Killing me/us...what's Ealing Trailfinders?? Gutted, either way....AGAIN!
      No more Beer Can Chicken for Mr. Siggery ;-)
      on 23.5.13 at 4:12
      - Neil S Can't blame Ed at all for making a living out of the game while he can.
        on 23.5.13 at 8:46
        Pontyboy! I thought this was a joke to start with, is this a made up team? Never heard of them?????
        on 23.5.13 at 9:17
        MC Phill ET got promoted this Season to the Championship - so there is the opportunity of meeting in the BIC
        on 23.5.13 at 10:54
        Neil S Interesting read about ET. More than a few similarities with Pontypridd.
        
        http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2652&Itemid=345
        on 23.5.13 at 19:49
        ComeonthePont! Good luch to the Sig Trailfinding down Ealing way.
        Always welcome back to the Valleys and thanks
        COTP
        
        on 23.5.13 at 21:52
- ianto Yeah, this seemed to be common knowledge on yesterday's trip to House of Commons. I was also told Dai Flan and Simon are both staying. Of course until official announcements are made nothing can be taken for granted.
  on 22.5.13 at 19:50
  - ComeonthePont! Were you there Ianto?
    on 23.5.13 at 21:53
    - ianto Yes, I was fortunate enough to have been invited along, and a good day it was. Nice to see and hear guest speaker Michael Owen speak so highly of this club. Also nice for the Llanelli MP to be there to congratulate Ponty on the double.
      on 24.5.13 at 9:10
      - ComeonthePont! Great - keep the insider news coming!
        All I have done for 35 years is turn up the game then clear off due to commitments elsewhere!
        COTP
        on 24.5.13 at 14:43
Congratulations to the Noisy Neighbours
Showboat13 Guys, remember PhilBB, that used to post on TT a while ago? Well he’s written some kind words about our great club in his blog, it’s not all positive, but the reality of our situation within Welsh rugby I guess.

Have a read, and play nice…

http://rugbyphilbb.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/congratulations-to-the-noisy-neighbours/
on 22.5.13 at 10:18
- ianto It’s a piece written by someone without influence who for good reason has been banned from most rugby forums. He started his blog while recently banned from Gwlad where many of the threads he contributes to evolve into abusive slanging matches. Fortunately, examples cannot be posted here as this site does not allow the type of the language used in these threads. When his latest blog did not attract much response he virtually requested it be posted on here in an attempt to get responses to satisfy his over inflated ego. I think it best to ignore his ranting which is why I have not commented on the content of his latest post.
  on 23.5.13 at 6:55
  - Ponty.net Former Ponty winger Owen Robins has been given a torrid time by the chap on Twitter.
    on 23.5.13 at 9:26
    - Neil S That's just sad...for what reason?
      on 23.5.13 at 19:52
- Daiponty1 This gents 'comments' are valid assuming he actually knows anything. From the tone of his article everything revolves around money (as he states) and that the label is irrelevant - what absolute tosh - rugby/sport is a tribal game, just ask Bath and Bristol to combine, they will have more money but.... the guy is obviously an advocate of the failed regions - for Welsh to have a long term sustainable future you MUST engage with schools and stop disenfranchising the communities and supporters - it is impossible to control this engagement from a central base, hence why the club scene is so so important and their profile should be promoted at the highest level - whether these kids then end up playing pro or semipro will then depend on their ability - but currently, if we stick to current structure, less and less kids are taking up the sport as they cannot identify with meaningless labels - so there is an ever decreasing player base. This guy 'blogs' to full fill some self indulgent need to satisfy himself and garner his self importance - let him demonstrate what he has actually done/achieved in driving the game forward in Wales or his community - talk is cheap, or should that be 'blogging'
  on 22.5.13 at 21:13
- winsky01 Have to say I agree with the majority of that article and inparticular the paragraph about Valleys Rugby being woefully uncompetitive on a £1.7million budget and killing Pontypridd Rugby off in the process if it ever took off.
  
  His honesty makes a change from the usual drivel he spouts about us on various forums.
  on 22.5.13 at 21:07
- Neal Hammond Hard to disagree with a lot of the content in that blog. But I would ask, are the 'regions' in their present form the correct model for professional rugby in Wales either? In my opinion, clearly not.
  on 22.5.13 at 11:03
  - Ponty.net Since he wants a reaction, I'll say that this "The strength of PRFC and its ability to flourish as a semi professional club is not translatable to a higher level of rugby. It is the perfect set up for club rugby in Wales but that is its plateau and it should not try to push beyond that" is nonsense.
    on 22.5.13 at 14:11
    - Neil S Guy is a patronising idiot, always has been and always will be. Let the regions carry on on their path too doomsday on their phenomenal funding package from the WRU including handouts and TV money handouts. All while Pontypridd RFC does it on a miserly £120 odd grand a year from the governing body. Talk about punching above your weight. Since Phill is so obsessed with the old £ sign what percentage of revenues do the regions generate from sponsorship and self generated sources of income compared to Pontyrpidd and then talk about the model. The continued arrogant viewpoint that the TV money is "earnt" by the region is also ridiculous. The WRU strikes those deals and the WRU dishes the money out in the same way the Premier League does in football, the clubs are given the money for participating. Welsh rugby needs a competitive underbelly below the national side, instead it has a comfort zone propped up by a grossly under funded semi professional division.
      on 22.5.13 at 15:28
    - rhydhooker The financial risks of entering the top table of European rugby is immense whilst the rewards are paltry and the requirement for infrastructure investments would also be enormous for Ponty . No responsible director could reasonably justify an expansion of that magnitude under the current structure and arrangements .
      
      All of the existing regions currently trade insolvently relying on directors loans to be allowed to continue in .business
      on 22.5.13 at 14:37
      - Neil S And that model is one to drive success? I am starting to beleive that Wales can not sustain fully professional rugby as we understand it and a hybrid is needed involving clubs, centrally contracted players and representative sides in the HEC. We have tried the Irish model and it doesn't work for us, we need our own model.
        on 22.5.13 at 15:32
        pontyboysdad While I agree that the current model does not work we have NOT tried the Irish model. They do not franchise club sides to run their provincial game, it is run by the union. Why do you think Moffat made huge points of not referring to provincial sides, but called them regional sides.
        
        on 23.5.13 at 15:07
        Neil S Fair point well made; I think there are a lot of similarities though with four professional sides and an attempt to render club rugby meaningless.
        on 23.5.13 at 19:36
        winsky01 Yes definately. And for people calling for the Irish club sides to be included in the BIC rather than the provincial 'A' sides it'll never happen. I would like for it to happen but talking to Ken Knaggs in the clubhouse before our match against Leinster 'A' in Dublin earlier in the season he said that the Irish Premiership sides such as Cork, Shannon, Blackrock College were in his opinion the standard of Welsh division 3 sides so you can see why the IRFU don't want them there.
        on 23.5.13 at 22:03
        Pontydragon My dream, about 6 years ago, was to have Shannon play Ponty in Scranton (Irish v Welsh, which would pull strings on the residents). Good thing it didn't happen. Then again.... ;-)
        on 24.5.13 at 1:14
        Neal Hammond Definitely a better model. Don't divorce the players from their clubs. Scrap the 'regions' as they presently exist.
        on 22.5.13 at 16:33
        Neil S Phill's analogy of the "noisy neighbours" is obviously stolen from Sir Alex Fergusons famous description of Manchester City. Of course I don't know for certain but I think Sir Alex would approve of what Pontyrpidd RFC stands for in terms of unity, identity, family, pride in the badge etc it is very similar virtues to those which he instills at Manchester United. Also in essence it is Cardiff Blues who have the money, so that makes them more like Manchester City, that and not winning anything of course. So who does that make the "noisy neighbours"? :-)
        on 23.5.13 at 8:52
        iksmudge@yahoo.co.uk I don't mind PhilBB looking down on us just as long as doesn't expect us to look up at him.
        on 23.5.13 at 22:34
        Neil S Ha ha well said mate lol
        on 24.5.13 at 10:09
TT ponty 15
Pontyboyo After such a successful season I thought we could have some fun during the off season. Would anyone be interested in having a pole of some sort where each day people vote on who they think should be first choice in each position? Then at the end we could have a TT ponty 15. What do people think? Could be a bit of a laugh while there is no rugby.

Owz could you help out posting via twitter/facebook if enough people are interested?

Thoughts below.
on 21.5.13 at 19:52
- ComeonthePont! Great idea if Owz can help make it simple I would love to take part.
  What are we going to do with just the Lions to watch?
  COTP
  on 21.5.13 at 22:00
  - Pontydragon Sounds like it would be fun....
    on 24.5.13 at 1:15
10 years ago today
Gareth Harris
Two photos taken at the end of the game.

on 21.5.13 at 18:06
End of Season Terrace Talk Awards
The_Sion_King Just a bit of fun. A chance to reflect on our greatest ever season.

Player of Year - could have been Lewis Williams who lit up the first half the season, but overall for consistency and some key tries - Dico.
Most underrated payer - Chris Phillips. Most improved player and best scrummager in my book.
Signing of the year - rhys Shellard. Ok he's away with the 7s but when available he's been outstanding.
Game of the year - Llanelli play-off final (of course) but also Leinster home for the last minute winner. I also enjoyed the day out at Tata Steel.
Player to watch next season - Second row Dafydd Davis is worth a run-out. Has the frame and fitness to be a regular.
Unsung Hero - Stewart the waterboy. He's speed of the mark is remarkable.
Try of Season - Has to be the last minute winner against Leinster.
Low Point - Not many! Wasn't there for the defeats but I thought we got dragged into a dog fight against Jersey away. A smarter game and we would have won that one. Great trip though.
Merit award. The whole squad, coaches and management. The squad rotation policy is the way forward. Can't argue with results. Love the comment - best 2 teams in the league Ponty A and Ponty B!

on 21.5.13 at 11:35
- Major Cobbon Hard to disagree with any of that.
  on 21.5.13 at 16:21
  - ComeonthePont! Just for fun a couple of awards from me.
    1. Legend Status - The entire squad, Coaches, management and US the Supporters!
    2. Most entertaining player - Lewis I Williams (what a shame we saw so little of him but his try against Leinster in front of Geralf was gem.
    3. Unseen work heroes - Smurf and Stuart Williams (maybe his best Season at the Club.
    4. Top game controller - Humbers
    5. Cool kicker - Dai Flan (just from Humbers!)
    6. Top impact player - Tubbs
    7. New player of the year - joint Geraint Walsh and Owen Jenkins, both could become Ponty legends
    8. Most improved player: - Owen Sheppeard, Jake Thomas and Chris Phillips.
    9. Dynamite award - Darren Harris -so explosive (flanker maybe?)
    10. 1st name of the sheet award - Chris Clayton - 1 poor game in 6 years!
    11. Poor performance award - absolutely none - I really feel everyone of the players deserves an award (RCT are you out there?) and pretty much each player has played key roles at different times of the Season.
    Finally mus mention the leadership of Locvks, Dacey, Dico, Adam and Shellard, together with the rumbustiousness of Dowden, the barn door that is Kieran Jenkins, the athleticism of Cory, the class of Godfrey, the huge promise of Raikes and Lloyd Williams, the experience brought by Gareth James and Carl Thomas, the powerhouse named Garry Williams, the game reading of Gaggsy, the solid performances of Tom Pascoe, the revival of Nuts, the brilliant high ball specialist known as Owen Williams, with Scott Roberts playing really well at end of Season as well as the young Blues prop, and Tom Hetherington, who is so fast about the field you go cross-eyed. With promising players like Simon Williams, Aled Summerhill, Tom Williams and Dafydd Davies-
    I've run out awards - you get my drift (not to mention the most improved pitch in the WP!)
    COTP
    on 21.5.13 at 17:17
    - ComeonthePont! Jienawski also very good when called on, Palmer and Dando excellent front rowers who were unlucky with injuries, but as I said earlier, all class players in true Ponty tradition!
      on 21.5.13 at 21:59
    - Prince Dafydd 1. Legend - Wayne 'Goldilocks' o'Connor. A full decade of unstinting endeavour,
      2. Mr Consistency - Dico (because he plays more often than anyone else!), closely followed by Jake Thomas, Dowden, The Sig and a host of others
      3. Best newcomer - (ignoring the returnees) Walsh. He runs well, kicks well, tackles well, reads the game well and is good under the high ball. Everything you could want in a full back really. Special mention for Kieron Jenkins who put in a very good shift, particularly after Palmer was injured.
      Most promising young player - Lloyd Williams but Joel Raikes, Tom Pascoe, Owen Jenkins, Sheppy, Sienewski, Dando, Darren Harris and Thyer have all shown that they can cut it at the premiership level and perhaps beyond.
      Most improved player - Tubbs. Always had the 'grunt' but he is starting to add, dare I say it, some subtlety to his game. Chris Phillips is also improving season by season
      on 21.5.13 at 21:04
      - Pontydragon Very surprised no one mentioned the entire WP unsung hero....Mr. Ioan Dyer, "The Eggman"!!! I will provide a write up soon,
        on 23.5.13 at 4:14
Evening Kick Offs
Pat Vellian I think it is worth experimenting with a late kick off in the early part of next season. Im fully in favour of kicking off at 2.30pm for most games but it would be interesting to see the effect on the crowd if we had a 6.30pm kick off. On a nice night I think we would get a bigger crowd.
on 20.5.13 at 22:02
- ianto Not for me. You'd need a very big increase in attendance to make up for loss of bar takings. How would it work, when would you know it was going to be a nice night. Don't forget the temperature drops in the evening and you could end up with even less people watching. The general feeling amongst the supporters I know is 2:30 is the best.
  on 21.5.13 at 9:26
  - RhwsPontyFan Got to agree with this comment. Evening is no good for me either. 2.30 anyday!
    on 21.5.13 at 19:26
- Pontydragon Sounds like summer rugby might be welcome too, Pat. My trip for the Bristol game was very warm, and it sound like the final was too. I know the cold, and coats and scarfs are part of the game, but, nothing finer than watching some good egg shaped ball with a frosty lager. USA Collegiate 7's coming on June. Blood, Sweat and Tears, with perfectly chilled beverages... Will let you know how it goes.
  on 21.5.13 at 2:04
Player Development
Nightmare XV Comment from Scarlets forum:
"That was a game between men and boys. Ponty see this as their only goal due to the bad blood between themselves and Cardiff blues.
They remind me alot of how Neath used to be in this competition less about player development and more about the here and now"
I think this bloke has not realised how many players we have put through to the regions e.g Darren Waters & Wayne Evans (Dragons), Macauley Cook, Kristian Dacey, Ryan Harford, Sam Hobbs, Cory Hill, Rhys Williams & Lewis Jones (Blues), Richard Fussel (Ospreys) and lets not forget a certain Morgan Stoddart who I think left Ponty for some team called the Scarlets!!!

on 20.5.13 at 21:54
- winsky01 They're idiots. They're Scarlet rose-tinted glasses that they all wear don't allow them to look any further out from the bubble they all live in. They probably think Phil Bennett is still playing fly-half for them, tries are worth 4 points and they've only just beaten the All Blacks.
  on 20.5.13 at 22:56
- Pat Vellian and 4 or 5 Wales 7's players.
  on 20.5.13 at 22:00
- Pontyboyo Ian Evans at the Ospreys as well...
  on 20.5.13 at 21:58
  - Pontydragon He/She is clueless. Thinks everybody on the squad is 32 years old. Stupidest statement I've seen all year. Hope he/she doesn't professionally file tax returns for a living, or is a lawyer. Cripes, you'd never get out from under it!
    
    Yes, it was men against boys....unfortunately, ours were younger, not professional, much smarter, out-coached, and totally full of whup arse! And you're right, Winsk...they all (well, some certain ones) talk about US with rose-tinted glasses...gimme a break!
    on 21.5.13 at 2:12
    - Neil S Why worry about that statement; the here and now is what counts and if playing good rugby in a winning environment does not develop players then I am afraid this person has less of a clue than me. So what if Pontypridd is looking after itself while providing the best platform possible for players who want to progress; Pontypridd should not deny that it should endorse it. The WRU or regions have not looked after Pontypridd to any great extent so why should Pontypridd go out of its way to look after anyone other than itself? We all know there were stacks of players 25 and under who played in the cup final and the play off final so don't worry about it. It's just a lazy and bitter excuse making piece of commentary on the club.
      on 21.5.13 at 9:01
      - MC Phill And they mention Neath too - Lets have a look...
        James Hook, Craig Mitchell, Huw Bennett, Ian Evans (also - We share him lol!), Martin Roberts, Paul James, Kristian Phillips (although he's back in Club Rugby), Lee Beach (went pro, came back), Aled Brew, Ed Shervington, Tavis Knoyle - Not forgetting people like Adam and Duncan, Jabba - Steve Jones, (now sadly retired) - All of the above are (or were til very recently) either in Regional Rugby, or playing pro Rugby of some sort - I've probably missed a few too...
        
        Back in the present and Neath have announced two new back room staff members - Robin Sowden Taylor as Strength and Conditioning and Llyr Lane as a Backs Coach - Plus one more to follow in the next day or so (kicking coach hopefully!!)
        on 21.5.13 at 10:15
      - MC Phill And they mention Neath too - Lets have a look...
        James Hook, Craig Mitchell, Huw Bennett, Ian Evans (also - We share him lol!), Martin Roberts, Paul James, Kristian Phillips (although he's back in Club Rugby), Lee Beach (went pro, came back), Aled Brew, Ed Shervington, Tavis Knoyle - Not forgetting people like Adam and Duncan, Jabba - Steve Jones, (now sadly retired) - All of the above are (or were til very recently) either in Regional Rugby, or playing pro Rugby of some sort - I've probably missed a few too...
        
        Back in the present and Neath have announced two new back room staff members - Robin Sowden Taylor as Strength and Conditioning and Llyr Lane as a Backs Coach - Plus one more to follow in the next day or so (kicking coach hopefully!!)
        on 21.5.13 at 10:09
        Pontyboyo I agree with both you and Neil S. Personally I think it just the lack of knowledge the Turks have of the current structure. That's mainly due to the fact they live in their own little world and don't care about anything outside. Their away support is an embarrassment and so never talk to any supporters of other clubs to chat about rugby and what the other club is currently up to.
        on 21.5.13 at 20:02
        Graham Have to say the Llanelli fans we chatted to in the lounge before the match were fine, they hoped of course that Llanelli would win, but said that it would be a farce for Ponty not to be league champions.
        on 22.5.13 at 11:29
        MC Phill They still think that Carwyn James will be popping in for a team talk and Roy Bergiers will lead the line! 9-3 mun ;-)
        on 22.5.13 at 12:07
Next Season / Transfers
Sam A few clubs have started announcing their new signings. Any rumours going around for us?
Any of this years squad moving on?
on 20.5.13 at 21:18
- Pontyboyo Out: I've heard Cory is off to Cornish Pirates, Sig is leaving, not sure where and Dai Flan is off to Cross Key's. Humberstone is heading back to England. Wyatt and O'Connor are both retiring.
  
  In: Lloyd Williams and his brother have signed. Also the young full back that played in the away game at Cardiff has signed, as has the young second row player in that game (I'm afraid I can't remember their names). Not sure on Joel Raikes but he would also be a great addition.
  
  I must state that these are nothing more than rumours. I have no way of knowing if any are true in any way.
  
  I think it's a must we keep AT LEAST one of Dai/Simon, ideally both. Also keeping Sig is a must. Cory will be a huge loss but I hope he gets the pro contract he deserves.
  
  O'Connor and Wyatt deserve to go out on a high and no better way for them to bow out than in the style of winning a double. Both, again, will be a huge loss but it's understandable if they decide to call it a day.
  
  Anyone who has a lot more knowledge can hopefully tell me the rumours I heard are wrong. I certainly hope I am wrong!
  on 20.5.13 at 21:34
  - Gareth Harris
    Very cheeful Pontyboyo. Could have let us have a few days of glory before getting us to worry about next season. Ponty.Net says ENTIRELY WITHOUT FOUNDATION." Thats good enough for me.
    on 21.5.13 at 0:12
    - Pontyboyo Someone asked Gareth so I answered with what rumours I heard! Don't shoot the messenger. I posted what I heard in the hope someone would tell me what I heard was wrong.
      on 21.5.13 at 7:26
      - Gareth Harris Fair enough boyo.
        on 21.5.13 at 18:10
  - Daiponty1 why on earth would Dai want to join Keys, unless he is not in the Ponts plans for next year - remember he went on a journey before and ended up back at the home of welsh rugby - dont see it myself
    on 20.5.13 at 22:20
  - Ponty.net The vast majority of the "Outs" are entirely without foundation. :-)
    on 20.5.13 at 22:19
    - Twitch That's good news then Ows!
      on 20.5.13 at 23:28
    - Daiponty1 especially when there is the 'treble' to go for next year League/Swalec and BiC
      on 20.5.13 at 22:59
    - Pontyboyo I certainly hope so!
      on 20.5.13 at 22:33
- Twitch Rumours that Dai Flan is off to Cross Keys. Hope it's not true but best of luck to him if it is.
  on 20.5.13 at 21:34
  - Twitch If all those are true then they're some pretty big losses for us. Best of luck to all those moving onto other clubs and retiring from playing. Wayne and Gareth have been fantastic for the club, as have Sigs, Cory, Dai and Humbers. Best of luck to all of them. Good to hear we've signed up some youngsters though. We'll need to find some quality fly halves considering we also lost Lewis K Williams earlier in the season as well!
    on 20.5.13 at 21:51
    - Pontyboyo I think Dai Flan signed a two year contract when he came back so Key's will have to buy him out of the final year. They must be offering Dai big money for him to want to leave a team with potential to win trophies next season.
      
      I guess we'll hear of any transfers in the next several weeks.
      on 20.5.13 at 22:00
      - Twitch I've heard Keys are splashing some cash around and have already made some other good signings. Not sure who though.
        on 20.5.13 at 22:07
        Prince Dafydd Would be surprised if Humbers left. It would directly contradict something I overheard him say only a few weeks ago.
        on 20.5.13 at 22:30
        winsky01 Wow if Flanagan AND Humberstone both left that would be a massive blow for us. I also thought Smurf was staying on for another year? He should do the way he's been playing!
        on 20.5.13 at 22:58
        Martin Williams My m8 has asked flanagan and he has turned down the keys. Humbers i have heard has finished his degree and is going back to england but he talks on his interview after the mstch about next year. Who knows wot is happening.
        on 20.5.13 at 23:22
        ComeonthePont! Frankly i'm amazed and disappointed if this is true.
        We have the top Club, decent investment, huge support and any players going to other Wlsh Clubs in particular will miss the Ponty experience, maybe for cash.
        I agree that to lose Flan and Humbers would be a blow as they are the 2 best 10s in the WP in my opinion.
        Cory is a real Ponty boy but if the Blues cannot use him then good luck if he goes to England.
        Gaggsy retiring (hopefully staying as Coach) I can understand, and maybe Smurf, albeit I think he could do another Season.
        Sig would also be a loss as an enforcer, but as Manu u have done under Sir Alex we will need to bring in fresh blood who know what it means to wear the badge and take us on again.
        I am confident our Coaches will do it.
        I am aware of some of the young players mentioned as coming, and believe me they are very good players, but maybe we need 1 or 2 old heads if the departures are correct to help bed them in.
        COTP
        on 20.5.13 at 23:15
        Pontydragon First things first...we have to hang Pontyboyo from his meat and veg, off the Olde Bridge, for making me cry. Not fair. I know it's all speculation, but jeeze...like a knife in the back right about now. Sam is in deep doo-doo too, for bringing this up so soon.
        I can see Humbers staying in the 'wrong home' if he graduated, and it fits for him. Dai'...he would never feel 'at home' at the Keys. The guy likes the Ponty family too much. If Humbers goes 'home', Special K is a must to get back.
        Gareth is being brought into the coaching world nicely. These days, how often do you see something as smooth as that? Natural progression, as smooth as it gets.
        Waynebow and Sig....wow...legends. Wayne has given everything there is to give for this club. Leave on his terms, not ours.
        Sig...I honestly don't don't think he would be truly happy playing for anybody else. He has his best chance at naked cup pics, by staying with the Pont.
        Cory, Adam and Rhys...not getting the shot they truly deserve. WRU blackballed they are.
        And the rest of them....Dico, Jake, Huw, Darran, Nuts, Mika, Lion, Dan...consummate team players. Like Lynn Howells said about Gavin Henson...I'd take any one of these boys over a player like him. It's not all about talent....its teamwork, true concern for your fellow man, and friendship.
        You can tell these boys truly love each other, and the supporters.
        But, $ is $, and we can't fault them for that.
        No matter what happens, still my friends!
        But, let's get Baller back! and Strongy too! ;-)
        on 21.5.13 at 2:41
        Pontyboyo Sorry PD but someone asked so I posted what rumours I heard at the play off final with the hope someone would tell me it was all nonsense.
        on 21.5.13 at 7:29
        Pontydragon Just busting pbo
        on 22.5.13 at 2:47
        Neil S Why would anyone leave Pontypridd unless it was for career progression (ie full time rugby) or a large pay increase (remembering money unfortunately does pay the bills). Cory Hill going full time pro I could understand also with Gareth Wyatt and Wayne O'Connor choosing to reture I can understand them going on their terms; but the others, unless it is for the reasons above I could not understand to be honest. Surely there is no better club in Wales at the moment to play rugby?
        on 21.5.13 at 9:10
        Pontyboyo I agree Neil. This season the competition for places seems to have made every player in the squad step up a gear and play to their best. The talent in this squad has helped the players get the best out of each other.
        
        As I mentioned above I posted the rumors in the hope someone with more knowledge of the club would tell us they were nonsense. I'll not bother next time if people like Gareth just have a pop at someone answering a question.
        on 21.5.13 at 9:44
        Neil S You have had a bit of a hard time on this post fella, not sure why...
        on 21.5.13 at 19:48
        Neal Hammond The close season always seems to abound with rumours. My golden rule is never to believe any player rumours until officially confirmed. I believe ponty.net. My personal feeling is that, if anything, team management will ensure that the squad will be even stronger next year.
        on 21.5.13 at 10:54
        ComeonthePont! Fair enough.
        Whatever team we have next Season we will be the team to beat - no doubt at all about that.
        Let's enjoy our position at the summit of the game in Wales and build from here.
        The key to continued success is succession planning when successful.
        As long as we do that, with our current support and general feelgood that exists around the Club we will be fine!
        COTP
        on 21.5.13 at 10:31
        RhwsPontyFan Never listen to rumours! They are more than often wrong, as I can testify from what I hear about things supposed to be happening in my work. In my opinion anyone wanting to leave Ponty is on a loser. They will never find a better club to play in. We are the best club in Wales, and were we a full time professional club then we would probably be the best club in the country. We are Pontyypridd RFC, let's be proud of that!
        on 21.5.13 at 13:41
Re the "chancers" down west
Ed Roberts I was a tad annoyed at Llanelli trying it on with Gareth Davis so I wrote to the WRuin for na explanation. here is their response:
"Gareth Davies was selected to play in the Premiership Final but was withdrawn from the squad once it was pointed out the player did not qualify, under National League Rules, to play in the fixture." Short and sweet and to the point! I wonder if there will be an apology coming from the Turks for trying to "bend" the rules. Doubt it somehow.
on 20.5.13 at 17:09
- ComeonthePont! Thanks Ed
  I wondered why this happened.
  If an administrative error that is incompetence, otherwise it is an attempt to cheat - we'll have to decide.
  Anyway spared him a few bruises!
  COTP
  on 20.5.13 at 18:41
- pontinhavana Well done Ed you probably put them on the spot and they had to act!
  on 20.5.13 at 18:40
  - Neil S Reckon they would have pointed it out to Ponty or would they have just left it and disqualified the club after...hmmmmm, I wonder!
    on 21.5.13 at 19:49
Nice match report here
Gareth Harris
http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Pontypridd-47-Llanelli-15/story-19033973-detail/story.html#axzz2Tq2Po6kD
on 20.5.13 at 15:18
- winsky01 Yes good article.
  on 20.5.13 at 23:02
PREDICTION LEAGUE
Hoppy Well if you thought the game on saturday was exciting, I tell you now it had nothiing to compare with the Prediction League for excitment and thrills and spills. As you may recall the Hammond organ stood tall and proud at the top of the table with an11 point lead over biscuitboy and a 14 point lead over third place Pontydragon. All jokers had been played by these three so it was a walk in the park for Neal to hold onto the lead and win the title. OR WAS IT.... Pontydragon went for a big Ponty win guessing that Ponty would score 43 points against Llanelli's 15 (13 points in the bag) but he didn't stop there. Bert also looked in the crystal ball for the number of tries, Ponty Tries and Penalties. 7, 5, and 5 came the numbers out of the mist. And thanks to Mr Harris who score in the last minute to make it 7 tries in total, and 5 Ponty tries Bert was able to get another 5 points and 2 more for the pens. Also getting a Hoppy bonus of 1 point for the highest points difference, Bert collected 21 points. Mr Hammond was unable to register a single point, being too conservative with Ponty's ability to score tries and believing the hype that Llanelli will score more points against the best defence in the league. So where did that leave Biscuitboy? I hear you cry. nowhere. not bothered telling you about him look at the table. So it is with GREAT Pleasure I annouce that our greatest supporter (who lives in the USofA) is also the best game predictor of the 2012 -2013 season. Well done Bert. great effort. Thanks to all who took part. I hope you enjoyed it and if you didn't take part but enjoyed reading the results, then join in next season.
HOLD THE LINE

game_34_predictions_league_table.pdf

game_34_predictions_results.pdf
on 20.5.13 at 14:10
- Neal Hammond First of all. Thanks Hoppy for running such a great fun competition in COTP's footsteps. I really enjoyed it. Secondly, well done, Bert. You deserved to win with that brilliant last prediction. What could be more fitting! Hasn't it been an absolutly perfect season on and off the field. What a climax!
  on 20.5.13 at 15:53
  - Pontydragon Great job, Hoppy. As always, thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I have to give credit to the Eggman, for his live updates, and insight in the blog. Gets me a lot closer to the action...so I can 'see' things better.
    Thanks, Neal. Much appreciated. Great fun it is.
    Looking forward to defending the Crown next season. Hope more can join us!
    Will send you a pic of me hoisting 'the cup' ;-)
    on 20.5.13 at 17:48
    - ianto Yeah, a big thank you Hoppy for all your work in organising this year. Much appreciated, and great fun.
      
      Congratulations Bert in doing a Ponty, i.e. finishing top!
      on 20.5.13 at 18:40
      - ComeonthePont! Well done Hoppy in keeping this 'tradition' going.
        And as for you Bert, what can I say - just brilliant!
        Seldom has so much been achieved from so far!
        Ponty really does reach out to Scranton - superb.
        What Club, what a Season and what a Predictors Champ!
        COTP
        on 20.5.13 at 18:45
        Martin Williams Nice 1 hoppy, great fun. I finished near the bottom but my claim to fame is i was top for 1 week. Well done pd r u chief in disguise. Perhaps we cud all get together and have a pint before next season as it wud be nice to know who people are, cheers.
        on 20.5.13 at 19:12
        biscuitboy Congratulations butt and what a second half blinder Bert! Hopefully we can do it all again next year thanks a mill Hoppy
        on 20.5.13 at 19:53
        Hoppy Thanks All. I'm setting up the spreadsheet ready for next year to make it a bit easier. Hoping for a few more punters next year, not too many mind you. 25 or 30 would be fine. Anymore and I'll get it in the neck from Mrs Hoppy as I sit down for 3 - 4 hours on a Sunday morning to score the predictions. LOL
        Have a nice break and see you next year.
        on 20.5.13 at 21:51
        ComeonthePont! Well done Hoppy - tell me about it!
        (Especially when the PC plays up!)
        COTP
        on 20.5.13 at 23:17
        winsky01 Cheers from me Hoppy! Top work throughout the season. All the best.
        on 20.5.13 at 23:32
        Pontydragon Know the feeling, Hoppy from past experiences doing the pee-wee gridiron and girls softball websites. I still hear 'Stella' yelling in my ear...3 years after doing 8 years of it
        on 21.5.13 at 2:47
        ComeonthePont! And dinners in the bin!
        on 21.5.13 at 10:28
        The_Sion_King Wow, what a finish to the season and the prediction league! Well done PD. Cheers Hoppy for running the show. Greatly apprecaited. I was doing well around the New Year but since then have done a 'bedwas' and fell short at the business end of the season.
        on 21.5.13 at 11:21
        Paul Marshall Thanks from me also Hoppy, great work this year and hopefully you will ocntinue into next year.
        on 21.5.13 at 13:52
That's commitment for you!
martyn lewis The Chief and Cory Hill turned up at the Club yesterday to present the trophies etc to our Under 14's. After what they had achieved the day before is magnificent and shows their true loyalty to Ponty and it's young players. Well done both of you and thanks.
on 20.5.13 at 13:00
- Neil S Excellent...no doubt after a few sherberts on Saturday as well!
  on 20.5.13 at 14:58
  - Pontydragon All kinds of 'Feel Good' stories...love it!
    on 21.5.13 at 2:48
Congrats
MC Phill ... to everyone associated with Ponty!

They tried to pull a fast one with the Scrum Half but didn't get away with it!

We'll be going full tilt to try and knock you off your perch next Season ;-) !!!
on 20.5.13 at 11:34
- Pontydragon Thanks, Phill. Looking forward to it already!
  on 20.5.13 at 12:14
  - Neal Hammond That's what it's all about Phill.
    on 20.5.13 at 13:45
    - MC Phill Class will out - I always believe that ;-) P.S. Congrats on the Prediction League Bert :-) !!
      on 20.5.13 at 15:04
Lat night
Gareth Harris
So did the Ponty web-site crash last night? And if it did is it any wonder? If not, what's wrong with my computer? Still glowing after Saturday. What a night!
on 20.5.13 at 11:05
- Twitch Crashed twice! I tried most of the day to get on....with not much luck!
  on 20.5.13 at 11:24
  - Gareth Harris Heard a lot of people down Llanelli complaining there was something wrong with their TV on Saturday evening!
    on 20.5.13 at 11:30
    - Gareth Harris And their team!
      on 20.5.13 at 11:31
- Gareth Harris So, looking at facebook it crashed twice. Whew, no need for a new computer then. But I was desperate to read more about Ponty last night. It's like and addiction isn't it? Had it since 1977. Don't think I'll every lose it, or want to!
  on 20.5.13 at 11:23
Ponty anthems
Twitch First of all....congratulations to everyone involved with Ponty RFC. I was confident we could win but that performance and scoreline were immense!!!

Now that I've calmed down after Saturday I just thought I'd make a comment on what was discussed on here a few days ago. Apart from the scrums we completely dominated Llanelli in every other facet of the game and I thought the supporters put in a good performance too. However, I definitely agree that we need some sort of anthem or some actual songs rather than just the chants (as much as I love them!). As much as we slate Llanelli they are by far the best supporters when it comes to singing. This tends to frustrate me as we have so many songs of our own that we could sing.

Tom Jones is from Treforest. We should be singing songs like Delilah and there's also songs such as Cwm Rhondda or When The Coal Comes From The Rhondda that we could sing, especially as they're refering to the local area! It'd definitely add to the atmosphere if we sang a song or two so I'd agree that we should get an online poll or something on this debate and to play some local songs such as these during the match build up and half time.
on 20.5.13 at 10:05
- Blotto I think this is something we should peruse in an off season poll. So many good songs out there that we could use. The song when the coal comes from the Rhondda is a great call tho!
  on 20.5.13 at 21:43
  - Twitch I don't see why we can't sing a few to be honest. Delilah would be good before the match to get the crowd warmed up, as it did against Bristol a few seasons back. Anything to make the atmosphere even better, along with celebrating local songs and culture should be welcomed!
    on 20.5.13 at 22:05
- MC Phill Why not 'We Are The Champions'?!
  on 20.5.13 at 11:32
  - Hoppy Twitch, Don't forget they sing The Ponty anthem everytime Wales play mun.
    on 20.5.13 at 13:34
    - Twitch I know, but unfortunately I can't see us singing that : ) Shame.
      on 20.5.13 at 13:46
    - odorocks You beat me to it Hoppy, I was just about to suggest that.
      on 20.5.13 at 13:43
      - Gareth Harris Long as the team is on song I don't care!
        on 20.5.13 at 20:40
I thought it just couldn't get any better!
Sam Have a flick through the llanelli forum http://www.scarletfever.org/forum/pontypridd-v-llanelli-premiership-final_topic37229_page10.html
talk about standing by their team lol! they want them all hung drawn and quartered by the looks of it.
hahahahaha
on 19.5.13 at 9:53
- Prince Dafydd What an excellent thread. It starts with the normal, pre-match 'frothing at the mouth' abuse of our team and our supporters, and the assumption that on a dry day and a hard pitch they would run us ragged; it ends with a realisation that their team was hopelessly ill-equipped for the task in hand, the slagging off of their own players, and best of all, real pessimism about the future of their so called region. I have no doubt that there must be real Llanelli supporters somewhere out there who respect the opposition and support their own side through thick and thin. But on the evidence of that forum, they are pretty few and far between.
  on 19.5.13 at 16:03
  - jimbob I think those are views of real supporters who just realise that they were completely outplayed, and can recognise failings in the structure of the game in wales when they; a team of mainly proffesionals get completely demolished by a team of semi-proffesionals. The majority of posts during/after the game seem to recognise that a good number of the semi professional Ponty players are superior to their's who have regional experience.
    
    Yes they do seem quick to critiscise their players, but what else can they do? They appreciate that the ref was good, they arent blaming anybody else, they fairly concede that they just weren't good enough.
    
    I think that "real" fans of welsh rugby can be frank and honest when met with a display that exemplifies such painful failings in the welsh game as opposed to blindly supporting their own team.
    
    With regards to the pre-match slagging off of Ponty, i dont think you see things vastly different to that on here pregame regarding other teams, i think their posts about the ref and about our plays are refreshingly fair.
    on 19.5.13 at 17:42
    - winsky01 There are also a lot of comments saying they weren't committed, they didn't turn up etc. which I think doesn't do justice to the way we played yesterday. I've watched the re-run of the match twice today and we were superb in every area. Literally straight from the kick-off when Humberstone dropped the ball on a sixpence for Owen to catch it we started massively on the front foot and didn't look back from there. Quite a few of their posters are whingeing saying that they're a young side with a lack of experience but the way we set our stall out yesterday I don't think it would have mattered who and what aged team we played against.
      on 19.5.13 at 23:06
- odorocks Just had a read now, they seam very upset with a number of there players (and very misinformed about a number of ours).
  on 19.5.13 at 15:51
  - winsky01 LOL I read that from the 1st page and it's hilarious! They are an embarrassment, they slate Pontypridd town like Llanelli is the best place in the World to live. Reading their comments about the Scarlets, Llanelli club side and their coaches you can see why they boo their players at Parc-Y-Scarlets. They never deserved a stand alone region and what they continually prove why. They should take their professional status off them and make the Llanelli club side a feeder for the Ospreys.
    on 19.5.13 at 16:05
    - Neil S I totally 100% agree with you winsky. How Llanelli can be a "region" I will never know! Swansea, Newport and Cardiff you can kind of understand but Llanelli, do me a favour. Blazer brigade at the WRU have always favoured the Turks, utter nonsense.
      on 19.5.13 at 17:05
      - Showboat13 9-3 mun.
        on 19.5.13 at 19:12
        Graham Love this one on there, "That was a game between men and boys. Ponty see this as their only goal due to the bad blood between themselves and Cardiff blues.
        They remind me alot of how Neath used to be in this competition less about player development and more about the here and now " So Ponty don't develop players now eh?
        on 20.5.13 at 17:33
        odorocks Like I said above they are very misinformed about our players. They also don't seam to understand that players can have passion to play for there club, without playing in that snorefest Pro12. Community clubs like us, Neath and a lot of other premiership clubs care about their club and the areas they represent. If the Llanelli way is the right way to do it then hell, I'm glad we are all wrong.
        on 20.5.13 at 20:03
        Prince Dafydd The comparison between us and Neath is a valid one in the sense that winning the competition is extremely important to us. But unlike Neath, who relied on the financial input of one man in order to achieve success and almost went under when the money dried up, we have built success whilst living within our means. It is totally wrong suggest we don't care about player development and care only about the here and now. Most of the players in Saturday's team first joined us as players in their teens or very early 20s. Some of them have left and then returned but a good number of others have been with us for many seasons.The team has 'Made in Ponty' stamped all over it.
        on 20.5.13 at 22:58
        Neil S Frankly, who gives a flying what a snivveling Turk thinks? They only have their professional side because they are favoured by the WRU. Take your beating in Llanelli and shut up for goodness sake!
        on 21.5.13 at 9:13
Record?
Gareth Harris
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but surely Ponty have never scored so many points in one game against Llanelli?
Fantastic occasion, great result. Many thanks to players and coaching team for a fantastic season.

PS. Is that a 'fair weather' Ponty Panda, you don't see if all season and then just as you look as if your going to win something, there he is! Mind you, there were a lot in the ground like that for the game. Let's hope it encourages them to come bacjk again next season.
on 19.5.13 at 1:57
- odorocks If that performance doesn't bring back the "fair weather" fans then I don't know what will? Not to mention our record this season, league and cup double and only team to beat the champions in the BIC. If they don't come back then it's there loss I say.
  on 19.5.13 at 16:04
BBC Sport Article
winsky01 I just wish they'd open it for comments like they do with the 'regional' articles.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22573080
on 19.5.13 at 0:56
- Pontydragon Shortest article I've ever seen
  on 19.5.13 at 4:27
Club Legend
winsky01 Just like to say, what a match, what an evening and what a season. Just doesn't get any better! All the players, coaching team, board and supporters deserve massive credit but I would say now a Kiwi is our club's greatest.

We at Pontypridd RFC have been blessed with so many legends, I'm not even going to start listing them as I'll be here all day but in terms of what an individual has offered as a player AND as a coach there is nobody greater than the chief!

Dale McIntosh I salute you.
on 19.5.13 at 0:02
- martyn lewis Is this the biggest win over the 'pans ??? Fantastic night/season/ :)
  
  on 19.5.13 at 11:46
- ComeonthePont! Must agree totally
  Magnificent display tonight and what a turn out, and on a pitch that was better than the Millennium Stadium last week.
  COTP
  on 19.5.13 at 0:05
  - Prince Dafydd Chief and the other coaches deserve enormous credit. CHIEF CHIEF CHIEF!
    on 19.5.13 at 0:19
Pinch me I think Im dreaming
Willsponty What a way to end the season, a great game with Tubs The Sig Godfrey working like Trojans and what about Humbers and the rest of the Team - a fantastic advert for Valleys Rugby and an atmospher reminiscent of the old days -my thanks to everyone involved in the club You have all made this season a great one!
on 18.5.13 at 22:41
- Sam The most complete performance for 80 mins, I have ever seen.
  I knew this group of players were special, and one day they would give somebody a real hammering on a big stage, and I witnessed it last night!
  That on paper was the strongest Llanelli team we have faced all season, with 11 full time pros in the starting line up. They were lucky to come second! Awesome.
  I heard a few people talking about what can we possibly do better next season?
  Win the league again (we would then go above Cardiff on titles since 1990)
  Another Swalec Cup.
  And really go after the BIC. After all we beat the champions at home! A bit of luck with the draw along the way, we could definitely make the knockout stages next year.
  Great season lads. Enjoy your well deserved rest this summer.
  
  on 19.5.13 at 9:38
- Prince Dafydd Roedd pawb mewn crys du a gwyn yn anhygoel. If I had to pick out one player for special mention it would be young scrum half, Lloyd Williams. What a prospect he looks. Pontypridd - y tim gorau yng Nghymru, heb os nag oni bai!
  on 18.5.13 at 23:15
  - Pontydragon He is the youngest one of the 23, I believe. And yes, deserves a lot of credit, in a pressure cooker like that baby.
    on 19.5.13 at 4:25
    - Willsponty Totally agree, I though Joel was unlucky to get a start but Lloyd showed his selection was spot on, let's hope we sign them both for next season!
      on 19.5.13 at 9:29

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Premiership Play-Off Final 18.5.2013: Pontypridd - Llanelli 47:15
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