Cardiff seeking elusive Ponty derby success
IT’S derby day at Sardis Road with Pontypridd locking horns with old rivals Cardiff in Principality Premiership East (5.15pm).
The sides start the final round of fixtures before the two sections join up second and fourth respectively, while it was Ponty who were victorious 46-28 when the teams last met at the Arms Park back in early October.
The Blue and Blacks are seeking their first Premiership victory over Ponty since December 2009.
Ahead of the clash, which is live on S4C, Cardiff head coach Steve Law said: “The last game was very competitive even though the scoreline wouldn’t show that.
“For the first 60 minutes I’d say we were in control of the game, but in the last quarter they took it away from us.
“We’ll do everything to make sure the players are aware of how important this game is and what it means.
“It’s a local derby so, of course, there’s always something on it and it’s live on television; we want to put on a spectacle for the supporters.
“We’ve worked very hard and we’re looking forward to it.
“If we get a performance for a longer period then I’m sure we’ll be in the game.”
Cardiff began life under Law with four straight wins, but since then have been up and down in the first phase. However, what with the new structure of the Premiership this season, they would only be three points off the summit for finishing fourth once the league comes together.
The team that tops the table in both East and West carries eight points through, while the sides that finish bottom earn one point. As things stand, Cardiff would start the second phase with five points.
Reigning Premiership champions Merthyr, who start the final round of East fixtures a point above Pontypridd, can cement top spot with maximum points against bottom side Bargoed at the Wern.
Elsewhere, Ebbw Vale entertain Bedwas at Eugene Cross Park, while the Steelmen have announced this week that Greg Woods will be taking over as head coach early next month.
Keys, meanwhile, have completed their East section fixtures after Wednesday night’s 32-24 win over Newport at Rodney Parade.
In the West section, RGC 1404 will make sure of top spot if they beat Bridgend Ravens at the Brewery Field this afternoon.
The north Walians start three points above Carmarthen Quins – who ended RGC’s 11-game unbeaten league run earlier this month.
Meanwhile, any slip-up by RGC at Bridgend could allow the Quins to sneak top spot – and bag an extra point to carry through – should they win at Llandovery.
Swansea host Llanelli in the other game today before Neath and Aberavon bring the curtain down on the West section when they meet at the Gnoll on Boxing Day.