Pontypool RFC v Cardiff Met RFC

Pontypool RFC will be looking to blow the cobwebs off as they end their five-week hiatus with the visit of Cardiff Met RFC to Pontypool Park.

A victory over Bedwas RFC in early December was Pooler’s last outing with their final two fixtures before Christmas postponed due to frozen pitches.

The visitors’ fixture with Cross Keys RFC managed to beat the freeze three weeks ago so they have seen a bit more action ahead of the first game of 2023.

Head coach Leighton Jones admitted the long break has not been ideal and is expecting to see some rustiness when his players take to the field.

“It was frustrating to have the games called off because of the weather,” he said.

“We’ve done some off-field stuff in that time with [Gareth] Betts and this week we’ve gone live against each other.

“It’s not been ideal but I think we’ve managed it the best we can.

‘We are expecting to be rusty but with our non-negotiables we’ve got to be there and turn up on the field.

“As we get thick and fast with games the rust will come off. Cardiff Met are probably one of the best teams to play to expose our rustiness.”

The two festive postponements mean Pontypool have five fixtures to rearrange and that is something the club is in active talks about.

“We are hoping to fit them in around the Six Nations weeks and try to get the momentum back for the boys and that rugby buzz back in the changing rooms and the club again,” added former Pooler skipper Jones.

“It’s been frustrating for the supporters, players and coaches but we are doing all we can and hopefully we’ll have some confirmed dates soon and we can look forward to a rugby-packed couple of months.”

Jones has had the luxury of a nearly full fit squad to choose from for the opening fixture of the year and has opted for six changes from the trip to Bedwas last month.

Sam Cochrane and Sam Scarfe come into the front row while Callum Davies and Ieuan Jones will bolster the back row.

Dan Babos comes in at scrum half and Pat Lewis returns to the side where he will partner Joel Mahoney, who is due to make his long-awaited 50^th club appearance.

Speaking ahead of Narberth RFC fixture in December, which was then postponed, Jones revealed how impressed he has been by Mahoney’s development.

“For me, when I came here nine or ten years ago we were always looking for local talent, it means that bit more to them,” he explained.

“Quite early in my coaching career Joel came down from Talywain RFC with huge potential and this year he’s really hit the mark.

“He’s put some really good performances in for us and he deserves to hit the 50 mark.

“He’s a great kid, he’s Pontypool born and bred and he has come through Talywain so massive respect to what they have done with them and he’s come down here and turned out to be a special player for us.”