In their first season in the Premier Division, Tonmawr proved to be a hard team to overcome on their own patch, taking notable scalps such as Newport and Swansea in the league and Llanelli in the cup. Ponty as such did well to complete the double over the Afan Valley club, and securing an away win by 23-38 back in October 2010.
A new season brings new challenges, and the first competitive fixture on the calendar will give an indication of the preparedness of both contestants for the winter months ahead.
Pontypridd will give secondary debuts to two players who have returned to the club this summer, prop Pat Palmer and No8 Dan Godfrey. Blues scrum half Rhys Downes is given an opportunity in club colours, whilst lock Ryan Savage and full back Gareth Wyatt have recovered from minor injuries to claim a place in the squad.
A late withdrawal having suffered a back strain in training is second rower Craig Locke.
Pontypridd 15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Lewis I Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Stuart Williams. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Ryan Savage. 5.Cory Hill. 6.Chris Dicomidis (capt) 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Dan Godfrey.
Replacements: Gareth Williams; Lewis K Williams; Gareth Wyatt; Tom Hetherington; Chris Phillips; Owen Sheppeard; Calum Thomas
