Ponty need away wins – Richards

PONTYPRIDD full-back Morgan Richards insists his side must start winning away from home if they are to be considered serious contenders this season.

Justin Burnell’s side are unbeaten at home this season but have yet to register a victory away from Sardis Road in the Premiership Cup. Today poses a difficult challenge with Pontypridd facing a trip to Newport who currently occupy top place in the eastern conference.

But Wales U20s full-back Richards, who used to play for Newport, believes his side can knock over the Black & Ambers. “I know Newport very well,” said Richards.

“They are a team who want to play some running rugby. They’ve got a very good combination at 10 and 12, and their whole back division is full of skills.

“We have prepared well for them. They’ve got some good individuals, so we need to be at our best.

“We need to clean up on some of the stuff from last week and we’ll see where that takes us. We are undefeated at Sardis Road this season which is very important to us, but we need to take that form onto the road now if we want to be contenders.”

Elsewhere, in the eastern conference, Cardiff are overwhelming favourites in their clash with bottom side RGC in Colwyn Bay, with the Blue & Blacks fielding a number of regional players.

Merthyr will be hopeful of building on last weekend’s stunning victory over Cardiff, as they travel to Ebbw Vale.

In the western conference, Aberavon are expected to solidify their position at the top of the table with a fixture against struggling Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets.

Second-placed Llandovery face a tricky trip to Swansea. Carmarthen Quins know they must overcome a dangerous Bridgend outfit today to have any chance of making the final.