Ponty put unbeaten record on the line

The season's climax, following a gruelling month of back-logged fixtures, will offer Ponty a final incentive of keeping an unbeaten home record intact, and to push up to fifth position in the table with a win.

The corresponding fixture away at Cross Keys back in November provided one of the high points of the season for Ponty with a barnstorming 60 point victory, but another visit to Pandy Park in the Cup in February seeing Ponty exiting the competition with a demoralising 27-26 defeat. With honours shared, the final league encounter will now be the decider.

Ponty will be without the services of full back Kristian Baller, sidelined with ankle problems, and hooker Rhys Williams with a shoulder strain, adding to the club's lengthy injury list. Outside half Dai Flanagan will also be absent, training with the Blues regional squad.

Matt Hutchings returns to the fray taking on the number ten duties, partnered at half back by Rhys Downes. Lee Thorne, on permit from Llanharan, makes his senior debut at centre, with Aaron Bramwell, having signed for Ponty from Ebbw Vale, taking a place on the bench. Changes made amongst the pack will see Leighton Davies in at hooker, Chris Martenko at lock and Geraint Lewis on the flank.

Pontypridd: 15.Lawrence Price. 14.Lewis Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Lee Thorne. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Matt Hutchings. 9.Rhys Downes. 1.Sam Hobbs. 2.Leighton Davies. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Geraint Lewis. 7.Wayne O'Connor. 8.Nathan Strong (capt)
Subs: Andrew Jenkins; Mike Davies; Aaron Bramwell; Stuart Williams; Huw Dowden; Ryan Savage; Rhys Lloyd