Table-toppers face up in big clash

THE top two in Principality Premiership East clash at the Wern this evening as valleys rivals Merthyr and Pontypridd lock horns again (7.15pm).

It was a 42-29 victory over the champions at Sardis Road back on September 16 that started Pontypridd’s run of seven wins on the bounce which has seen them storm to the top of the table.

Five points separates them from the Ironmen – coached by ex Ponty hero Dale McIntosh – in second, while Merthyr have themselves reeled off six straight wins since that reverse the last time these two sides met.

“It’s got all the makings of another good clash,” said Ponty team manager Dan Godfrey.

“Both sides are on a good run, are well coached, and lots of the players know each other well, so it should be another interesting encounter.

“We’ve got a very good close-knit group here and so far we’re ticking along nicely – but there’s definitely more to come.

“The Premiership is a tough league and it’s still very early days; it’ll be interesting to see how we kick on after Christmas.”

The other game in the East section this evening is at Pandy Park where Cross Keys entertain Cardiff (7.30pm) as they look to make it three wins on the bounce.

In the West section, leaders RGC 1404 head to Aberavon bidding for a ninth win in 11 matches (7.15pm).

Mark Jones’ men have gone nine games undefeated since their opening-day reverse at Llandovery, including eight wins as well as a draw at Swansea.

One of those victories came against Aberavon in Colwyn Bay in mid-September, running out 32-24 victors on that occasion.

Llandovery are only two points behind the North Walians as they go to The Gnoll to face a Neath side looking to avoid a ninth straight defeat (7.30pm).

And, at St Helen’s, Swansea welcome Carmarthen Quins (7.15pm).