Pontypridd ready for late start

The challenges don't come any bigger than this, but Ponty at least have an opportunity to set out their stall early with expectations high for a successful winter campaign. Going head to head against four times in succession league champions Neath - a club with an impeccable pedigree in the new semi-pro era - will test the Valley Commandos' resolve to the limit.

Coaches Paul John and Dale McIntosh keep faith with the line up selected for the scheduled home match against Newport last weekend, which fell foul of the deluge that beset Sardis Road.

Pontypridd head coach Paul John believes his players will be up for the challenge against Neath, despite their lack of match action over the past two weeks.

"The boys have trained really well, and are busting a gut to get out on the pitch and get some competitive action" said John.

"It was not the ideal scenario to have our match called off last week, but there is a definite edge to the squad as they wait to get the season off to a good start."

Sidelined with injury are scrum-half Rhys Downes (knee), prop Ryan Harford (fractured thumb) and lock Chris Dicomidis (ribs). Scrum-half Gavin Morris will undergo a late fitness test on a knee strain, with the versatile Kristian Baller ready to cover on the Ponty bench.

Matt Hutchings gets the nod at full back, while flanker Rhys Lloyd makes his competitive senior debut for Ponty as part of a strong looking back row unit. Dai Flanagan takes a place on the bench, having been made available by the Blues.

The Pontypridd team selected to face Neath reads as follows:

15.Matt Hutchings. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Gareth McCarthy. 9.Andrew Jenkins

1.Stuart Williams. 2.Rhys Williams. 3.Sam Hobbs. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Grant Harrington. 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Wayne O'Connor. 8.Nathan Strong - cpt

Replacements: Lawrence Price; Dai Flanagan; Gavin Morris / Kristian Baller; Ian Poley; Huw Dowden; Ryan Savage; Kristian Dacey.