Prop Palmer to retire

PONTYPRIDD prop Pat Palmer has had to concede to medical advice following the latest setback in his recovery from injury, and has decided to retire from playing rugby.

The tight-head prop was without doubt one of the best players to pull on the Ponty jersey in the semi-pro era, a performer of regional standard who represented his country at u18, u19 and u20 level and was a Barbarian.

A series of debilitating back and shoulder injuries had severely hampered his playing career over the past three seasons, and he has now decided to call it a day.

The Llantrisant product was called up into the Blues Academy and first joined up with Pontypridd in 2008. The following season he was drafted into the Blues senior squad and then made a move to the Newport Gwent Dragons.

In 2011 Pat made a welcome return to Pontypridd. Anchoring the Ponty scrum, Pat was a key member of a formidable front row, with Huw Dowden usually in the middle and Stuart Williams or Ken Knaggs at loose head.

Injuries were, however, already limiting his appearances.

Pat has now made the big decision to hang up his boots for good and will concentrate on a new career studying and qualifying in medicine.

Everyone at Sardis Road would like to wish him all the best for his future! BOTH sides came close to scoring in the opening exchanges with play fast and loose from the off.

Bargoed were getting the better of possession and territory but up against a stubborn home defence.

The first 10 minutes of the game were enter- SARDIS SCENE