Home has to be where the heart is for Ponty
PONTYPRIDD welcome RGC 1404 to Sardis Road in the Principality Premiership tonight with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats, (kick-off 7.10pm).
The Valley Commandos picked up maximum points in their opening two games but were beaten by Aberavon last weekend while RGC lost to Ebbw Vale after bonus-point wins over Neath and Swansea.
And with the threat of relegation returning this season, Ponty captain Dafydd Lockyer insists there is plenty of pressure not to rack up too many defeats.
“No team wants to lose two on the bounce especially with the format with teams going down,” he said.
“So every time you lose you are under pressure but both teams have been playing well although both slipped up last week.
“We are always strong at home, we don’t lose many and hopefully it will be the same.
“There will be a big crowd, RGC always bring a good following so it will be a good atmosphere.
“We can’t really afford to lose any home games this year if we want to finish in the top two or three. It’s a massive game for everyone.”
The BBC will continue its coverage with cameras taking in the action under the floodlights.
“It’s good for all the clubs in the Premiership to get them on the map,” continued Lockyer.
“And it’s good for the players, especially the younger players who missed the cut on having contracts with the academies and regions.
“It’s nice to know the boys are on telly and your family can watch. RGC are a strong team. They can attack from anywhere, they are not afraid to chuck the ball about and when they’ve got the ball they are really good so we’ve got to be on the money defensively.”
Lockyer is relishing the time out on the pitch after missing the end of last season through injury.
“I missed the last eight games with a broken leg,” he said.
“Lucky enough it was coming
towards the end of the season so I’ve had a good summer off, a good rest and now back playing.
“I’m not fully fit at the moment but I’m getting through games and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I’ll get match fit and improve from there.”
Celtic Cup action also resumes this evening with Dragons A visiting Munster (5.30pm) and the Ospreys Development side travelling to Connacht (7pm).
Dragons A will be looking to build on their victory over Connacht, where Jared Rosser bagged five tries, after losing their opening encounter with Cardiff Blues A. However, Ospreys Development will be hoping to bounce back from their 52-7 thrashing against Munster.
“Some of our very young players will have learned very hard lessons in a bruising encounter whilst others like half-backs Harri Morgan and Josh Thomas, lock Will Griffiths and flanker Joe Grabham posted notice of their talent,” said Ospreys Development coach Richard Fussell.