Pontypool RFC v Llandovery RFC

After a few weeks off, Pontypool return to action as they welcome reigning champions, and current league leaders, Llandovery to the Park for a special night under the lights.

The S4C cameras will be taking in all the action as Pooler look to build on their win against Cardiff three weeks ago.

They will be coming up against a team full of confidence and in a rich vein of form following an impressive victory over Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale in the semi final of the WRU Premiership Cup. The triumph extended their winning run to 16 games, having lost just once this season.

Scrum-half Morgan Lloyd, who has seven tries in 20 appearances, acknowledges the task ahead but is looking forward to testing himself against the Drovers and believes the squad is capable of getting a positive result.

“It was a big win against Cardiff and the mood in the camp has been really good,” he said.

“First week we did a bit of fitness and went over things we feel we could have done better against Cardiff. Then we put things together ready for Llandovery.

“They have a few key players that they run off, especially their nine so we need to stop him and their momentum.

“Stopping their speed of ball and slowing them down and putting big shots on them will put them back so we can get the ball.

“Since [we played them] we have come along together as a group in terms of fitness and set-piece detail. Slowing their speed of ball down will be key.

“We’ve always been an expansive team but we’ve gone more with our forwards because that has been working for us.

“Teams are looking at us more and putting a big focus on our forwards so I think changing our game plan in terms of giving the ball to the backs and spreading out wide will change the way teams will defend against us and we’ll create more opportunities.”

This season represents the first full season of senior rugby for Lloyd and he is pleased with how his development has progressed.

“It’s been great. The group of boys here are really good and they welcomed me in at the start of the season,” Lloyd continued.

“The group is really positive, they encourage you and if you do something wrong they help you get back up.

“The coaches have been really helpful. They have given me a lot of game time. which has helped towards my game and made me a better player.

“It's been a great experience and every weekend the fans are always here supporting.

“It’s been the first time I’ve played in front of fans like that so it’s great to have that support.

“They are enthusiastic in Pontypool because they are all part of the club.

“They do have a voice and push us forward each week, encouraging us to play better and stay on top form.”

A victory will see Pontypool close the gap on fourth-placed Cardiff to five points, while a bonus-point win would reduce the deficit by a further point.