PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP

JUSTIN Burnell has urged his Pontypridd side to honour the contribution of Dafydd Lockyer by putting Bedwas to the sword.

Sardis Road captain Lockyer will make his 350th appearance for the club this afternoon and head coach Burnell wants his side to make it a day to remember.

“It is all about Dafydd’s 350th game,” said Burnell. “It’s very pleasing for me because I was the gentleman who identified him and brought him to the club more than 15 years ago.

“It’s amazing to see what he’s achieved. If it wasn’t for a few injuries and his stint at Neath, he would be in that 400 club. He’s been a fantastic ambassador for Pontypridd, a tremendous captain and one of life’s rugby characters. He works just as hard off the field as he does on it and he’s a great individual. He’s fully focussed on this game and desperate to get a win.”

Despite the game being billed as a milestone for Lockyer, second-placed Pontypridd know they have to win to keep the pressure on top-of-the-table Merthyr. Burnell has warned his side not to underestimate a Bedwas side who are fighting to avoid relegation.

He said: “Bedwas have a very good set-piece and they are very good in the contact area so that’s something we’re very conscious of.

“They are a very good side and we will need to be at our best to beat them.

“With Bedwas being at the wrong end of the table they will be coming to Sardis Road full of desperation which makes them a very dangerous side.

“But I’m confident in the squad we have out that we can get the job done.

“It’s very tight at the top of the table, so we need to keep the pressure on Merthyr. What Merthyr have got is strength in depth with quality across the board, so it will take a good side to stop them.”

Elsewhere, 14th-placed Bridgend host Cross Keys, in 12th, in what is already shaping up to be a crucial encounter with both sides desperate to avoid the drop.

Mid-table Llandovery will be hoping to pile more misery on struggling Bargoed, while Aberavon will be hoping to keep in touch with the Premiership’s pacesetters as they travel to Swansea.

Fourth-placed Ebbw Vale face Llanelli and this weekend’s fixtures extend into tomorrow with Newport welcoming Carmarthen Quins to Rodney Parade.