Pontypool RFC v Bedwas RFC

Andrew Quick wants to right the wrongs of last weekend when Pontypool RFC welcome Bedwas RFC to Pontypool Park tomorrow.

The defence coach admits that Pooler were second best at Bargoed RFC on Saturday and he is eyeing an immediate reaction to restore some pride.

Second-placed Bedwas will offer Pontypool a real challenge but it is one that Quick and the rest of the team are looking forward to.

“As a group we have been bitterly disappointed,” explained Quick.

“Our pride has been dented but we’ve got an opportunity to go out and right a few wrongs.

“We’re excited as a group to be going into Saturday because you never get an easy game against Bedwas.

“They are going to come up here and fight tooth and nail for everything.

“They are a good side, they’ve done well this year and I hope the boys can rise to the occasion.

“We need to go out and make a statement and we’re looking for a reaction from the boys because it was an under performance from our point of view.

“The club has a big stature and as a management group and player group we’ve got to hit the heights that are expected of us.

“I don’t think we did that last Saturday but we’ve got an opportunity to put it right this week.”

The last encounter between the two saw Pontypool edge to a 15-12 victory in front of a big home crowd and Quick is hoping the supporters can roar them on to another victory.

“It’s always a factor,” he continued.

“We love playing here. The Pooler army are always a big supporting factor in every game, especially when we are at home.

“We’ve got a good home record and we’re looking to continue that.”

Pooler could stretch their unbeaten home record to 45 games if they avoid defeat this weekend – they haven’t tasted defeat at Pontypool Park since a 20-17 loss to RGC 1404 back in April 2016.

The team tasked with keeping that run going contains seven changes from the team that took to the field at Bargoed Park.

Teenager Sam Scarfe has been rewarded for his fantastic performances this season with a first start while Peter Lloyd have recovered from injury to make his debut in the front row. Garin Price and Adam Stratton also return to bolster the forwards.

Aaron Quick comes in at scrum half while Pat Lewis returns to partner Joel Mahoney at centre. Marcus Jones, who has eight tries in nine league appearances, returns on the wing.