Pontypridd RFC Squad 04/05

By Web Team
September 1 2004

See below for the finalised Pontypridd Squad for the 04/05 season, many faces have come and gone in the summer but the Ponty youngsters will be expected to finish high in the league

Full backs: Lloyd Warner; Jason Pocock; Morgan Stoddart.

Jason Pocock looked secure at full back last season and he is able to act as goal kicker. Lloyd Warner was impressive towards the end of last season playing in the centre position and Morgan Stoddart is a surprise inclusion in the squad. Expect to see Richard Fussell being put into the full back position as well after some impressive run outs in the position during pre season.

Wingers:  Richard Fussell; Darren Berry; Chris Clayton; James Thomas.

Chris Clayton and James Thomas are both youngsters who may take a bit of time to get to grips with playing in the Welsh Premiership. Richard Fussell spent most of last season on the treatment table but expect him to make an impact this season.

Centres: Tom Reilly; Jason Lewis; Greg Evans; Paul Matthews.

Paul Matthews becomes Club Captain for the season with the hugely talented Tom Reilly likely to line up alongside him in the centre. Jason Lewis' experience will be valuable to the squad and Greg Evans, another youngster will be looking to impress in his first season in the Welsh Premiership.

Outside halves: Richard Langmead; Dai Flanagan.

Surprisingly, trialist Gethin Worgan wasn't included in the final squad although Ponty have 2 solid outside halves in Flanagan and Langmead. Both are goalkickers and Flanagan definitely looks to be one to look out for at the top level in the future.

Scrum halves:  Paul John; Carl Thomas; Gareth Jones.

The experience of Paul John will be vital a young pack although Gareth Jones has looked an able understudy from his pre-season form. Carl Thomas played well when given the opporunity last year and will be looking to get further opportunities this year.

Props: Stuart Williams; Geraint Liddon; Gerald Cox; Ryan Harford.

Lidden comes in from Caerphilly to add to 3 of last seasons squad. No nonsense Gerald Cox will be looking to stabalise a scrum that may find itself in trouble this season.

Hookers: Lloyd Hayden; Ben Phillips; Duane Goodfield.

Ben Phillips has had a good pre-season although Goodfield should be first choice hooker. All 3 will be looking to put in good displays to secure their starting position in the number 2 jersey.

Second row: Craig Hughes; Chris Martenko; Dale McIntosh; James Connors; Grant Harrington.

The "Chief" is round for another season and will be looking to lead by example. Martenko looked impressive last year as did Harrington but Craig Hughes and James Connors will also be pushing for a starting place.

Back row: Chris Dicomidis; Lee Evans; Rhys Long; Dan Godfrey; Wayne O'Connor; Rhys Shellard.

Godfrey and O'Connor formed part of a strong back row last season. Dicomidis, Shellard, Evans and Long will be hoping to slot into the back row and pick up where the team left off last year.

 

Overall, a young squad with only a handful of senior players which could struggle in the early stages as players adjust to Welsh Premiership rugby however I think we can expect them to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.