Cardiff Met RFC v Pontypool RFC

Ashley Sweet has enjoyed his time as a Pontypool RFC player and wants to continue that enjoyment when they travel to Cardiff Met RFC tomorrow afternoon.

The Pontypool-born lock stated it was always an ambition of his to wear the red, white and black jersey and insists he has “enjoyed every second of it”.

“Coming home for me was a big part of it,” he said about his summer move to Pontypool Park.

“I said when I was younger I wanted to play for Pontypool RFC and when the opportunity arose I snapped their hand off. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”

The 34-year-old has scored two tries in eight appearances this season and wants to end the season in style.

“We know that Cardiff Met are a good, well-organised outfit, they are a bunch of young players and athletes but we’ve just got to go down there and enjoy it,” he said.

“We want to get our game plan on them, we want to be dominant up front and want to play a bit of rugby against them.

“It will be a test of character.

“Saturday is probably a kickstart for next season for us. We want to try and go out with a bang.

“We are really looking forward to next season, it’s a massive season for us so everything for Saturday needs to be positive.”

Head coach Leighton Jones has made seven changes for the game at the Cyncoed Campus.

Winger Mathew Powell has come into the team, on permit for Newport RFC. With seven tries in 13 appearances for the Black and Ambers this season, he could prove to be a potent threat against the hosts.

Sam Cochrane and Darren Hughes will bolster the front row while flanker Mike Herbert also returns.

Owain Leonard comes in at scrum-half with Kieran Meek at centre and Ethan Davies operating at full back.

While Pooler have the better head-to-head record, having won 27 of the 35 meetings, the Archers have proved to be tricky opposition and are no doubt sharpening their arrows after beating TATA Steel RFC 45-31 in their last outing.

Pooler just need a point to move above Bedwas RFC into third, while Pooler could draw level with Bargoed RFC if they secure maximum points and the Bulls leave Maesteg Quins RFC without a point.