Pontypool RFC v Bargoed RFC

Pontypool RFC welcome promotion rivals Bargoed RFC to Pontypool Park in a gigantic clash towards the top of the WRU Admiral National Championship.

It’s second versus third in the table with only a single point separating the two sides, although Pooler have played a game less.

The head-to-head record is finely split with Pontypool just edging it with 10 wins from the 19 fixtures they have contested but the Bulls took the spoils in the last meeting, one of just two defeats Pooler had all season.

Despite that result head coach Leighton Jones insists that game has been left in last season with Pooler preferring to focus on themselves.

“We’ve got new boys in and the focus on last season and putting those wrongs right would be unfair to the management and squad we’ve got now,” stated Jones.

“We knew last season we weren’t great and we knew with the in-and-out season it was disastrous from top to bottom.

“The boys have come in, they’ve focused on what they are doing and they are competing for their places and the management group are on top of their jobs.

“We haven’t looked back at all as I don’t think it would be fair on the people in the environment now, last season was last season.

“Bargoed are a good team, they come with a certain game plan and we are looking forward to it.”

Half of the squad named for tomorrow’s game were not involved in April’s meeting while the likes of Lewis Roberts, Shaun Connor and Gareth Betts were not part of the management group either.

Jones insists it has been business as usual in training this week and has even revealed his surprise at not needing to up the ante ahead of such a big fixture.

“That competition and drive has been there all season,” he said.

“We spoke about it in training, it’s another game we don’t change what we do.

“We train the same, the intensity from the boys is the same so this year is probably the first year in a long time that there has been no change because the intensity, accuracy and commitment has already been there.

“It’s surprising because in the past we have spiked it for big games but it’s just been business as normal."

Jones is also looking forward to having the backing of the Pontypool faithful and believes they can play a big part on Saturday.

“Our fans are very vocal and whether that is when we are doing well or when we’re not they will let you know,” he stated.

“One thing I don’t think can ever be questioned this year is the boys’ commitment whether things are going right or wrong.

“And it’ll be pleasing for the supporters to get behind the boys like they have done in the past to raise the boys’ spirits and raise the atmosphere at the ground.

“It’s always something special and something we look forward to from the fans.”