Pontypridd v Llanelli

£2 Issue 164
The Official Matchday
Magazine of
Pontypridd Rugby
Principality Premiership
Pontypridd v Llanelli
Saturday 23rd November 2013
Kick off: 2:30pm
Main Club Sponsor:
T h e
V o i c e
Match Sponsor:
o f
t h e
V a l l e y s
24/7 Emergency Call Out
tel: 01443 841833
07977 022003
Fax: 01443 842801
PONTY RUGBY LTD.
The Clubhouse
Sardis Road
Pontypridd
Tel 01443 405006
Fax 01443 407087
Welcome
Email club@ponty.net
This afternoon, we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and
supporters of Llanelli RFC.
CHAIRMAN
Roger E. Davies
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Stephen Reardon
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Bayliss, Carol Waughinton,
Roger E. Davies, Guto Davies,
Theresa Davies, Peter Howells,
Alun Jones, Steve Reardon,
Perry Stephens, Chris Kingsbury,
Wayne Cullen, Martyn Morgan.
HEAD COACH
Paul John
ASSISTANT COACH
Geraint Lewis
CONDITIONING COACH
Darren Bool
TEAM MANAGER
Richard Langmead
CLUB CAPTAIN
Chris Dicomidis
HON SURGEONS
D. Pemberton
S. Roy
S. James
D. Edwards
The last occasion upon which ‘Ponty Rugby’, the official match day magazine of
Pontypridd RFC was published, was five weeks ago today, the 19th October 2013.
The order of that day was dominated by contemplation in the forms of
expectation and speculation:- expectation in the face of the imminent
challenge posed by Greene King IPA Championship front-runner London Welsh
RFC and speculation in the guise of who could, or would, replace the departing
icon, Dale McIntosh.
Within forty-eight hours, the euphoria of a memorable victory in the British &
Irish Cup was swept aside by the tragic news that Pontypridd RFC prop forward
Stuart Williams had died suddenly whilst at his place of work. Nothing can
prepare you for the shock of the passing of a current player, family man and
father, at such a young age. It was a devastating and traumatic experience for his
family and ‘rugby family’ alike. The inestimable number of mourners who turned
out to pay their last respects to Stuart, conveys more adequately than any
number of words the regard within which he was held as a player and a person. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of Stuart’s family and
Pontypridd RFC, the overwhelming number of rugby clubs and individuals from
far and wide who conveyed their sympathies and condolences by letter or
social media. Now that our extended period of mourning is over, we will
continue as a club to honour Stuart’s memory on the field of play.
Only the naïve or those in self-denial would not have recognised that, sooner or
later, we would lose Dale McIntosh. After a quarter of a century of association
with Pontypridd RFC, he deserves his chance quite rightly in the professional
coaching echelon of rugby football. Ponty Rugby Limited had planned for this
inevitability and I am pleased to reiterate that we have secured the services of
our prime target, Geraint Lewis. Geraint is a highly-regarded Coach - we
congratulate him on his appointment and welcome him home to the club for
whom he made 166 appearances as a player. We wish him well as he settles into
his new role, affording him time to develop his own philosophy.
CLUB DOCTORS
Gareth Lloyd / Rod Lewis
HON DENTAL SURGEON
Lyndon Meehan
PHYSIOS
Chris Watts
Although Pontypridd RFC has had the better of recent exchanges, Llanelli RFC is
always a formidable opponent; expect this afternoon to be no different as we
look forward to another enthralling contest between two clubs with running
rugby in their blood.
SALES & MARKETING
Sales & Marketing Manager
Emma Rogers
commercial@ponty.net
The Bank Managers sponsor the ‘Golden Bob’ Man of the Match, while the
Match Sponsor is Glamorgan Law. We trust that all our guests will have an
enjoyable afternoon at Sardis Road.
MEDIA OFFICER/
PROGRAMME EDITOR
Guto Davies
media@ponty.net
WEB SITE MANAGER
Owen Williams • info@ponty.net
Stephen Reardon
Chief Executive Officer
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
3
Coaches Corner
Its been a very
difficult month for all
connected with our
club.
Firstly we dealt with
the departure of
Chief to the Blues
coaching set up, but
in the knowledge that it was a move which he fully deserved
having proved himself as one of the best coaches in Wales over
the years. It was still a big loss as he had been so much part of the
club as player, captain and coach for nigh on twenty-five years. I
know it was a tough decision for Dale to make as this club had
been such a big part of his life.
It was fitting that we saw Dale off with a win over London Welsh
in one of the best performances seen at Sardis Road in recent
years. We beat a strong fully professional side, we showed pace
and commitment, and the support and atmosphere on the day
were phenomenal, summing up everything good about Ponty RFC.
On the following Monday came the devastating news of Stuart
Williams' death. He was a big personality in the squad and a real
character. I had not only coached Stuart but also taught him at
Coed-y-lan school, with Ceri Sweeney and Gareth 'Snid' Jones in
the same class. The big turn outs at his remembrance day and at
his funeral showed the respect that we all had for Stuart. Our
thoughts are with his family still.
The memory of Stuart also played a big part in the team's first
comeback performance away to Bridgend. The boys were all
together that night and itching to get out there and play. It was
difficult to get back into our stride but the attitude of the senior
players was superb, and once the boys relaxed and got into their
stride, they did well to pull away for a bonus point win.
The match at Bedwas last Saturday was also difficult but again
after a slow start we moved up a gear in the second half to claim a
valuable win. All teams raise their game against us and nothing but
our best performance will guarantee victory. It will be the same
against Llanelli today, a top team over the past four or five
seasons who have pushed us all the way in the last three play-off
finals. There is a mutual respect between the two clubs and games
between us are usually entertaining and hard fought.
Geraint Lewis is now on board as forwards coach, and has coped
well with the daunting task of taking over from the Chief. Geraint
was an intelligent player and shows the same attributes as a coach,
his preparation and analysis is top class and he has settled in well.
Our supporters admired him as a player and hopefully will give
him the same respect as a coach.
Finally, congratulations to our players who have achieved
representative honours over the past weeks - Dico and Dai Flan
with the Barbarians, Simon Humberstone with his call-up to the
Blues and Gareth Wyatt becoming a British Lion in the Bermuda
Classics, proving in Gareth's case that if you're old enough, you're
good enough! Paul John Senior Coach.
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
7
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Gallery
Bridgend v Pontypridd
8th November 2013
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
9
The Full Ponty
Memories of Stuart Williams
In any Pontypridd squad, of any era, there are one or
two who stand out as real characters, individuals
who can light up the changing room and because of
that, earn the total respect of their team mates.
Over the years I have had the privilege of knowing and
working with such characters - Robert Davies and Gary
'Boomer' Jones in their time, Chief and Stella who could
be mental off the pitch but always gave 100% on it, and
over the past decade - Daf Lockyer and Stuart Williams.
Daf and Stu were like a double act in the changing
room, bringing laughter into that environment, not in a
pretentious or rehearsed manner but totally off the
cuff and more often than not, unaware of what they
were doing.
Stuart would often trot into the medical room on
training nights with a disgruntled look on his face, and I
knew that there was one of three routine things on his
mind. He had either had a telling off from Chief for
messing up the line out calls, or he would complain
that the sleek new kit issued to the squad had been
made a couple of sizes too small for him, or he would
be contemplating retirement. In the latter case I got to
realise that threats of retirement were made only when
a new contract had not yet been offered, and as soon
as that contract was on the table for another two years,
Stuart would be as committed as he
ever was!
Committed, dedicated - those are the
words I associate with Stuart. He made
six cup final appearances for Ponty,
which might be a record. He was always
there, unflinching and always ready to
take up the physical challenges. I know
that this was often done at a personal
cost as he suffered with back pains and
time and again put his body on the line,
never taking a backward step.
His last cup final appearance was a brief one. No
sooner was he brought on as a replacement against
Neath than he was sent off again to the sin bin. The fact
that no one raised a word in anger or criticism about
that incident reflects the total respect in which Stuart
was held by everyone at the club - coaches, players and
supporters alike. He was always there when needed,
and people appreciated him for that.
It is impossible to put a label on Stuart Williams, but
the memories that I hold are of a charismatic young
man whose wry smile was infectious and whose
company was well worth having. He was a funny guy, he
was Ponty through and through.
As time goes by the memories of Stuart will not
diminish, but maybe we can all find it a little easier to
talk about him, to recollect and to share stories and to
do so with a smile in our hearts.
Dai Thomas Club Medic
Stuart Williams and Dai Thomas
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
11
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The View From Here
Question. How many jerseys do you need for a
rugby team? Simples eh Sergei? But before you
come rushing back with the IRB's 23 including
the full bench I should explain that my answer
is …. it depends whether there's a big guy
pointing a gun at your wife.
I was taken straight back to the scene of a bizarre
guessing game by the news that the ever youthful
Gareth Wyatt has been taking part in the Bermuda
Classic, a wonderful golden oldies tournament which
has been running for decades on that tiny chunk of our
colonial past floating in the Atlantic 600 miles off
Florida.
Gareth's team Classic Lions made the semis and I'm sure
a good time was had by all. Bermuda remains the only
place I have seen a player equipped with a beer belt. I
would love to have seen doping control's report on that
innovation.
Back to the jersey question. As well as the Rugby
Classic, Bermuda boasts another sadly less reported
tournament. On March 1st every year, Wales play the
Rest of the World. When I say Wales I mean fifteen
blokes in red jerseys not Mr Gatland's charges. They are
the Bermuda Welsh and as the number of Welsh born
or connected people on the island goes up and down
annually, a little leeway is allowed in the concept of
Welshness. The players are drawn from the long
established clubs on the island and the names give you
a clue as to why the Welsh can just about raise a team.
Teachers, Police and Mariners are three of the best
known.
In 1989 I was fortunate enough to be invited to speak to
the St David's Day dinner of the Bermuda Welsh. And on
a rainy afternoon I watched the Wales v Rest of the
World encounter. I've got some team pictures in the
office and I'm pleased to say that Wales are indeed in
red. But they almost had to play skins.
The organising genius behind the match was a
Welshman called Brian Toms. Brian was a stalwart of
Bermuda rugby and after his playing days were over he
managed some of the island's age group sides. His son
Brynley went to college here and played for the Welsh
students.
Shortly before Jean and I were due to fly out I got a
phone call from Bill Edwards. Bill kept the best known
sports shop in Swansea and was heavily involved in
Glamorgan cricket.
Brian had ordered a set of team jerseys and would I take
them with me?
Next evening Bill stood on my doorstep with a tightly
packed brown paper parcel.
We landed on a beautifully sunny February day, crossed
the tarmac to the terminal and joined the immigration
queue. I clutched my suitcase in my left hand and the
parcel under my right armpit. It wasn't easy. And it was
about to get tougher. We failed to spot the red lines on
the floor behind which the obedient traveller was to
stay until summoned.
Jean went in front and I followed until I heard a
Bermudan voice rasp out a command. “Back , back now
behind the line.” I noted with some alarm that he was
six foot plus, a good sixteen stone and angry. His
machine pistol was raised and pointed at me. Jean was
covered by another giant with an automatic rifle.
“Welcome to Bermuda” I thought to myself and
stepped back.
The armed man accompanied me to the immigration
check where the only thing they were interested in was
Bill Edwards's parcel. I would have to pay import duty
and could claim it back later.
“What's in the parcel sir?” “Jerseys for a rugby team” I
replied. He looked puzzled but pulled out a knife to
investigate. Bill's packing was brilliant. After three
slashes of the official blade he gave up counting. “A
team yeah” he said. “Right. That will be 12 jerseys at 4
dollars each, 48 dollars please.” I paid , they put the
guns down and the boys got three duty- free jerseys. A
Welsh win before we started.
Today we renew a rivalry which has
decided the destiny of this
competition for the last three
seasons. It will be tough. But
while we all want to win, in
the back of my mind must
be the reminder generated
by the loss of Stuart
Williams. Life is just not
fair. And rugby really is
only a game.
Peter Johnson
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
15
Player Profile
Rhys Shellard
Rugby Matters
Rugby moment to remember:
Playing for the Barbarians
Full Name:
Rhys Shellard
AKA: ‘Bonk’
Rugby moment to forget: Missing out on last year's Hong Kong
Sevens
The Facts
Rugby opponent to respect: Owen Sheppeard aka 'the jackler'
Rugby is good because: Enjoying the crack with the boys
Birthplace:
Aberdare
Rugby is bad because: Injuries
‘Before I Die’
Date of Birth: 26/06/85
One place to visit: New York
Height: 6ft
One person to meet: Tiger Woods
Weight:
15st
One thing to do: Go on a stag with Locks - he's clean off!
Position: Flanker
Rhys Shellard
is sponsored by:
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w w w . p o n t y . n e t
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Vital Statistics
Fixtures And Results – 2013-14 Season
2013
Date
7th September
14th September
18th September
21st September
29th September
5th October
12th October
19th October
8th November
16th November
23rd November
30th November
3rd December
7th December
14th December
21st December
26th December
Opposition
Cardiff
Bedwas
Bridgend
Cross Keys
Newport
Llandovery
Edinburgh Academ’
London Welsh
Bridgend
Bedwas
Llanelli
Carmarthen
Cross Keys
London Scottish
London Scottish
Swansea
Cardiff
Venue
Home
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Home
Competition
Result
B & I Cup
Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Drew
B & I Cup
Won
B & I Cup
Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem Won
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
B & I Cup
B & I Cup
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
London Welsh
Edinburgh Academ’
Neath
Aberavon
Llandovery
Carmarthen
Swansea
Aberavon
Newport
Cardiff
Llanelli
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Away
B & I Cup
B & I Cup
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
Principality Prem
For
22
42
27
28
38
27
53
29
36
34
Agst
19
31
23
11
18
27
13
22
18
15
Tries
3
6
3
3
5
4
8
4
5
3
Cons
2
3
3
2
5
2
5
3
4
2
Pens
1
2
2
3
1
1
1
1
1
5
D/G
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
336
197
44
31
18
0
2014
11th January
18th January
8th February
22nd February
1st March
8th March
14th March
29th March
5th April
19th April
26th April
Total
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
22
10
9
0
1
P o w e r
|
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
Head to Head - Pontypridd v Llanelli
Played: 20 Matches
Pontypridd Newport
DRAWN
0
WON
9
2
POINTS
258
188
Last Five Meetings
Date
Home
18/05/2013 Play Off Final
27/04/2013 Premiership
16/03/2013 Premiership
26/012013 SWALEC Cup
18/05/2012 Play Off Final
Result
Sardis Road
Sardis Road
Parc y Scarlets
Parc y Scarlets
Sardis Road
Away
Won 47-15
Won 27-18
Won 23-16
Won 22-14
Won 15-13
Pontypridd
andtheLlanelli
seemtotobeat
havePontypridd
been drawninto
other in recent
years,registering
and in the alast
three20-19
seasons
have metparade.
them a
Newport was
only team
theeach
Premiership
last season,
narrow
winwe
at Rodney
total
of eleven
six times
in the
Principality
once
the SWALEC
Cup, once
the British
However,
Pontytimes:
got their
revenge
at Sardis
Road inPremiership,
February, not
onlyinclaiming
a winning
bonusinpoint
with aand
veryIrish
lateCup (quarter
final),
and three
in the denying
Premiership
play off
final.
have
ninebonus
of those
withsotwo
going
to today’s visitors.
Dan Godfrey
try,times
but cruelly
Newport
both
thePonty
win and
thewon
losing
pointgames,
that they
richly
deserved.
Principality Premiership Table
Pos
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Club
Carmarthen RFC
Pontypridd
Llandovery RFC
Cardiff Rugby
Llanelli RFC
Cross Keys RFC
Newport
Bedwas RFC
Aberavon RFC
Bridgend
Swansea
Neath
Pl
7
7
7
7
7
6
7
6
7
9
6
6
W
7
6
5
5
5
4
2
2
2
1
1
0
D
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
The People’s Solicitors
L
0
0
1
2
2
2
5
4
5
8
5
6
PF
204
232
208
176
198
133
156
128
106
199
101
147
PA
106
143
138
123
143
96
206
191
175
288
192
187
Diff
98
89
70
53
55
37
-50
-63
-69
-89
-91
-40
TF
25
29
27
23
22
14
19
12
10
23
9
16
TA
8
15
18
16
16
9
27
20
20
37
22
21
Winner
of the RCTCBC
Business Club Award
for Excellence in
Marketing
2012
TB
2
4
4
3
2
2
2
0
0
1
0
2
LB
0
0
0
1
2
1
1
0
0
3
2
3
Pts
30
30
26
24
24
19
11
8
8
8
6
5
Winner
of the R
CTCBC
Busines
Start Us Club Awar
d
p Busin
ess
of the Y
ea
2011 r
n Wills
n Probate
n Lasting Power of Attorneys
n Inheritance Advice
n Care Home Fees
info@fullstoplaw.com
www.fullstoplaw.com
Head Office in Pontyclun
☎ 0844 209 2343
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
23
Vital Statistics
Appearances for
the 2013-14 Season
The
Laundrette
19 Bridge Street
PONTYPRIDD
CF37 4PE
01443 858308
Keeping Ponty RFC Clean!
power of design
pride in ponty
passion for rugby
today’s programme designers
t: 01443 209731
e: info@seerdesign.co.uk
w: www.seerdesign.co.uk
4 Waun Hir | PONTYPRIDD | CF38 1AX
24
Name
Liam BELCHER
Chris CLAYTON
Macauley COOK
Luke CROCKER
Gavin DACEY
Chris DICOMIDIS
Huw DOWDEN
Jarrod EVANS
Dai FLANAGAN
Dan GODFREY
Tom HETHERINGTON
James HOWE
Simon HUMBERSTONE
Ellis JENKINS
Keiron JENKINS
Owen JENKINS
Lewis JONES
Craig LOCKE
Dafydd LOCKYER
Jack MAYNARD
Aled MORRIS
Mathew NUTHALL
Wayne O'CONNOR
Chris PHILLIPS
Joel RAIKES
Rhys SHELLARD
Owen SHEPPEARD
Jordan SIENIAWSKI
Garyn SMITH
Aled SUMMERHILL
Adam THOMAS
Jake THOMAS
Geraint WALSH
Alex WEBBER
Gary WILLIAMS
Lee WILLIAMS
Lewis I WILLIAMS
Lloyd WILLIAMS
Owen WILLIAMS
Rhys WILLIAMS
Stuart WILLIAMS
Tom WILLIAMS
Gareth WYATT
Tom YOUNG
Penalty TRY
P o w e r
|
Started
1
1
0
3
7
10
3
0
5
7
3
6
5
1
10
4
0
7
8
0
1
6
2
1
2
3
2
2
2
4
4
5
5
3
2
2
1
2
1
4
3
6
2
4
0
P r i d e
Repl.
0
0
1
1
1
0
5
1
1
1
2
4
3
0
0
0
5
1
1
1
1
0
2
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
0
1
0
1
4
0
5
0
2
3
2
1
1
0
|
T
0
0
1
0
6
3
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
1
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
3
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
3
3
2
3
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
3
44
C
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
0
0
16
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
31
P
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
DGs
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
P a s s i o n
Total
0
0
5
0
30
15
0
0
63
0
15
0
63
5
0
0
0
15
5
0
0
15
5
0
0
5
0
0
5
0
15
15
10
15
0
0
0
10
0
5
0
5
0
0
15
336
Ponty Past Times
Controversy of the Passive Scrums
Pontypridd 17 : 19 Llanelli
8th September 2001
Games between Pontypridd and Llanelli over
the years have often been contentious. One
encounter that generated a huge amount of
controversy was a Celtic League tie played at
Sardis Road on Saturday 8th September 2001.
Even so early in the season this was a huge game for
Pontypridd who were struggling to achieve success under
the mentorship of coach Richie Collins. A home win over
Llanelli was essential to maintain hopes of qualification to
the knock-out stages of the competition.
Ponty felt that they did enough to earn that victory, but
were denied by a late siege gun drop goal from Wales
outside half Stephen Jones, and an earlier decision by
referee Nigel Whitehouse to revert to passive
scrummaging.
The first half had been a kicking duel between opposing
outside halves Ceri Sweeney and Gareth Bowen, but a
Salesi Finau try edging the Scarlets into a 6pts to 13
interval lead. Pontypridd responded with a furious assault
rewarded with two penalties kicked by Sweeney and a try
scored by flanker Richard Parks.
The result swung on a couple of vital kicks late on.
Sweeney missed two long range penalty attempts, and
replacement Stephen Jones then broke the home team’s
hearts with a last gasp drop goal from distance.
Prior to that, with the Ponty pack on top in the set pieces,
Llanelli prop Phil Booth went off injured, and following
the earlier departure of Martyn Madden, was replaced by
hooker Robin McBryde. Referee Whitehouse then allowed
two passive scrums, from one of which Llanelli scored
three vital points.
The decision was hotly disputed on the day, but the post
match reaction then escalated into a national issue.
Pontypridd approached the WRU seeking a reversal of the
result as competition rules had been broken.
WRU director of refereeing Clive Norling was drawn into
the debate, admitting that confusion arose from different
rules applied to the Welsh-Scottish and the Celtic
Leagues. "In normal circumstances,” said Norling “the
referee should ask the captain of the team who have lost
the props if they are prepared to scrummage or not.
"In this situation, it didn't happen."
Ultimately the result stood and it was Llanelli that
progressed in the competition. A poor run of results
continued for Ponty and within a month coach Richie
Collins had resigned..
The last word went to Western Mail scribe Andy Howell
who added fuel to the flames with his comments.
“Will the Union deduct points from Llanelli following the
strange case of the scrum that was not a scrum?” asked
Howell.
“You can bet your bottom dollar if it had been Caerphilly
who were accused of pulling a fast one they would be
docked the three points. But this is Llanelli, a club the
union always treats with kid gloves and because of its
history and beating New Zealand in the 70s, seems to have
preferential status.”
Pontypridd: C Williams; G Wyatt, S Parker, J Lewis,
D Feaunati; C Sweeney, P John; G Jenkins, M Davies, D Bell,
N Kelly, B Cockbain, D McIntosh, R Parks, M Owen.
Replacements: G Baber, A Lawson, R Johnson, M Rees,
R Field, J Griffiths, S Senara.
Llanelli: M Cardey; G Evans, N Boobyer, L Davies, S Finau;
G Bowen, D Peel; P Booth, M Thomas, M Madden,
S Morgan, C Gillies, D Jones, I Boobyer, D Hodges.
Replacements: J Davies, R McBryde, L Gross, S Easterby,
G Easterby, S Jones.
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
25
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All playing kits, available in adult, youth and junior sizes (replica)
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Rain Jackets - BACK IN STOCK!!!
Scarves - NEW IN!!!!
Available from the club shop and online ... Hurry while stock lasts!!!!!!!
www.rhino-teamwear.com
Club shop open match days | Mon, Wed & Fri: 09.00 - 11.00
The Opposition
LLANELLI RFC
November has been a barren month so far for
Premiership club rugby followers. Pontypridd have
used the last two weekends to fit in two postponed
fixtures, but most other Premiership teams have not
muddied their match kits since the first weekend of
the month. Llanelli last played three weeks ago when
they entertained bottom club Neath and were made
to work hard for a 37-27 victory over the Welsh All
Blacks. That victory maintained the momentum of
Llanelli’s league campaign, and they’re currently fifth
in the table with five wins out of seven games and a
tally of twenty four points.
They are also one of Wales’s four representatives in the
BIC competition. They came away from a difficult
fixture at Bedford with a losing bonus point after
pushing their hosts all the way before going down by
29-24. One of Llanelli’s try scorers was our ex hooker
Darran Harris, who galloped sixty metres for a
memorable trademark touchdown. Before that Llanelli
had beaten Connaught at home in the BIC by a
thumping 76-14 and had scored eleven tries in a great
display of free flowing attacking rugby.
Llanelli had got to the BIC pool stage by beating
Llandovery at Church Bank in the Scarlets regional playoff. This is also how the Sosban town team got to the
Premiership League Final against Ponty last season to
contest a third consecutive final decider against
ourselves. It shows that when it comes to getting onto
centre-stage for the big occasion Llanelli have
developed a hunger and bloody-mindedness
unmatched in other Premiership teams. This intense
rivalry between Ponty and the Turks that’s become the
inevitable endpoint to the season has made our clubs
arch-rivals in the Premiership over recent years. Even an
ordinary league fixture like today’s carries an extra
significance, even though the season is only a third of
the way in.
Llanelli’s coaching team of Kevin George, Rob Walters
and Ioan Cunningham will have a game-plan based on
an exhaustive familiarity with the opposition. With the
Premiership table already decoupling into a top and
bottom half the form teams of Carmarthen, Ponty,
Llandovery, Cardiff, Llanelli and possibly Cross Keys all
have realistic aspirations to make the play-off places.
Llanelli’s newer generation of match-winners in the
backs, like Dion Jones, Steff Evans and Josh Lewis will
look to the streetwise enforcers up front like Craig
Hawkins, Adam Powell, Duane Eager and Stuart Leach
to try to out-muscle Ponty at the breakdown. There will
be an early flexing of championship credentials today
which makes for a fascinating contest in store.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
Fitted Kitchens
Truss & Cut Roofs
Decking
Fitted Bedrooms
Laminated Flooring
Solid Wood Flooring
Internal/External Doors
Stairs, Hand Rails & Spindles
Extension & Garage Conversions
Butt & Scribe Worktop Service
PVC Windows/Fascias & Guttering
27
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P o w e r
|
Solicitors • Cyfreithwyr
6 Central Buildings, Central Square, Trallwn, Pontypridd RCT CF37 4PN
Tel: 01443 403666 • Fax: 01443 680001 • Email: admin@jhsolicitors.co.uk
73 Hannah St., Porth, RCT, CF39 9PY
Tel: 01443 680000 • Fax: 01443 680001 • Email: mleyshon@jhsolicitors.co.uk
Telephone: 01443 403666 • Fax: 01443 403688
HUW JOHN, LLB(Hons) Tel: 07971 631292
SUZANNE HAMILTON, BA (Hons) Tel: 07903 230315
MARK DAVID LEYSHON, BA(Hons) Tel: 07899 741661
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
@Elite_BC
Elite Body Conditioning
www.elitebc.co.uk
Contact: 07826 851470 / 07854 660867
info@elitebc.co.uk
In association
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Unit 38, Albion Industrial Estate, Cilfynydd, Pontypridd, CF37 4NX
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
29
Noticeboard
Match Sponsors
Our match sponsor for this afternoon's Premiership tie against Llanelli is
Glamorgan Law. "With offices across South Wales in Cardiff, Cowbridge
and Pontypridd, Glamorgan Law are your local, approachable solicitors.
We provide a complete and comprehensive range of legal services.
www.glamlaw.co.uk
We thank the company for their support, and trust that Ms Ann Milson
and guests will have an enjoyable day with us at Sardis Road.
Today’s Mascot
Our mascot for this afternoon's
match against Llanelli is ten year
old Thomas Griffiths from Rhigos.
Thomas attends Hirwaun Primary
School and plays for Abercwmboi
under 10s. His favourite player is
Ponty winger Lewis Williams.
Thomas celebrated his tenth
birthday a while ago on 12th
November, and we hope that he
enjoys his big day as Ponty mascot
as a belated birthday treat!
Golden Bob Award
The “Golden Bob” award
for today's match
against Llanelli is
nominated by sponsors
The Bank Managers.
The Man of the Match
for the last home game
against London Welsh
was powerhouse centre
Dafydd Lockyer. He was
presented with his
grogg trophy by sponsors Egan Waste Services Ltd.
Get Well Soon
Richard
Wishes for a full and
speedy recovery go
out to a loyal servant
of Pontypridd RFC,
baggage and water
man Richard Vinton.
Richard recently
underwent major
surgery and is now
on the road to
recovery. It was great
to see Richard out and about in the Bedwas
match last weekend - we hope that he will very
soon be back to a clean bill of health.
PONTY.NET
The official Pontypridd RFC website
BIC
AWAY
TRIPS
The Pontypridd
Supporters’ Club are
organizing trips to all away British & Irish Cup matches,
which are already selling out fast. A one night stay for the
London Scottish match on 14th December has been
organized, as well as day trips to the London Scottish game
and to the London Welsh game on 11th January 2014.
For more information log on to the club website
www.ponty.net, see Chris Kingsbury or call Phil Lycett on:
01443662561.
Follow Ponty and see the world!
www.facebook.com/pontypriddrfc
www.twitter.com/pontypriddrfc
30
P o w e r
|
P r i d e
|
P a s s i o n
Bucket Collection
Please give generously...
Today’s bucket collection will raise funds towards RSD Dance, Cheer & Gymnastics.
RSD is based in South Wales, covering the areas of Rhondda, Pontypridd, Llantrisant,
Aberdare and Bridgend, providing tuition in a relaxed friendly environment and
achieving top class results. For more information visit the website:
www.rsd-danceandcheer.com
Club Shop
In store today - hot off the
press - the new alternative
Ponty pink kit!
An ideal Christmas present,
bringing a splash of colour to
these drab mid-winter days - get kitted out
in the new pink shirt!
CHRISTMAS DINNER Payments Due
Balance of payment is now due for the Pontypridd
RFC Christmas Dinner, due to be held on Friday
13th December 2013. The event is already sold out.
The four course dinner and entertainment has
been priced at £25 per person.
Supporters' Club committee member
Dave Roberts will be collecting these final
payments at the club today.
New shirts on sale priced at £45 adult and
£40 junior sizes.
Ponty supporters have the option of
enjoying some retail therapy in store at the
Club Shop or buying on-line from the
comfort of their own home.
You can now shopon-line by logging
on to:
www.ponty.net/e-shop
London Welsh Mascots
Our mascots for the last home game against London
Welsh were cousins Charlie Stott and George Jones from
Pontypridd. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the big match
atmosphere and cheered Ponty on to a great win.
w w w . p o n t y . n e t
31
Pontypridd RFC
Llanelli RFC
Matthew Nuthall
Lewis Williams
Geraint Walsh
Dafydd Lockyer
Owen Jenkins
Dai Flanagan
Lloyd Williams
Chris Phillips
Tom Hetherington
Keiron Jenkins
Lee Williams
Chris Dicomidis - cpt
Luke Crocker
Wayne O'Connor
Dan Godfrey
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Dion Jones
Kyle Evans
Steffan Hughes
Jonny Lewis
Dafydd Lewis
Nick Damjanovic
Rhys Davies
Rhys Thomas
Craig Hawkins
Ben Leung
Adam Powell - cpt
Lewis Rawlins
Duane Eager
Craig Price
Ed Price
Replacements
Subs: 16.Joel Raikes.
17.Gareth Wyatt.
18.Gary Williams.
19.Aled Morris.
20.Jake Thomas.
21.Craig Locke. 22.james Howe.
23.Pat Palmer
Subs: 16.Bradley Davies.
17.Alex Williams.
18.Gareth Havard.
19.Stuart Leach.
20.Owain Morgan.
21.James Ball. 22.James
Griffiths. 23.Gareth Walters.
Match Officials
Referee: Gwyn Morris | Touch Judges: Paul Richards • Nigel Jones
O l é ,
O l é ,
O l é ,
O l é . . .