Badgers all sett for new season

Under the direction of Blues Captain Matthew Rees and ex-Pontypridd man Jason Lewis, Pontyclun kicked off their Two East Central campaign with a narrow victory over last season’s Four South East champions St Josephs.

The match was nip and tuck throughout before the Badgers eventually triumphed 20-17, with Lloyd Rose and Carl Jenkins touching down, while Huw Probyn added ten points from the tee including a late penalty from half way.

The Badgers' victory was the only away win in the division on the opening weekend of what will surely be a very competitive league.

Pontyclun Secretary Greg Lamerton was relieved the Badgers picked up a win to start their campaign

“We are definitely happy with the result, it was a tough opening match-up for us. They had a big pack and perhaps we were slightly fortunate to come away with the four points,” said Lamerton.

After acquiring the enviable coaching duo of Blues skipper Rees, who already has some coaching experience under his belt at Tonyrefail, and Lewis, who has a great coaching reputation, you would be forgiven in thinking that players would be flocking to Pontyclun to learn under their tutelage. But Lamerton says that it hasn’t worked out that way.

“We did think having Jason and Matthew, two people who have played and in Matthew’s case still playing at the highest level, might attract a few more players but we actually lost a few players in the summer.”

Pontyclun saw three members of their squad move on to pastures new in the summer with Nicky Theaker joining Llanharan, while Adam Lewis and Adam Court are now playing at Beddau.

However, they have made one new recruit in hooker Sam Grant, who joined the fold from Pencoed.

“We are always looking to strengthen our squad. We train twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Windsor Road,” added Lamerton.

“Hopefully, we have a few players returning from injury which will add to the squad’s depth with Ceiron Jones, Luke Rose and Gavin Pascoe all likely to feature for us soon.”

Pontyclun host last season’s Swalec Bowl champions Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd this weekend and Lamerton is predicting another close affair.

“They were promoted last season and we are definitely expecting another tough match, but hopefully we can get the win at home,”said Lamerton.

Finally, with top class coaching at hand, what are Lamerton’s expectations for this year’s campaign?

“I think it’s going to be a difficult league as there are some very strong teams, and though we anticipate a mid-table finish for ourselves, we’re certainly not expecting to gain promotion this year,” added Lamerton.