PREVIEW: Llanharan RFC v Pontypool RFC (From Free Press Series)

PREVIEW: Llanharan RFC v Pontypool RFC

12:50pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Sport

IT’S a busy time of year at Pontypool RFC as the club come round to deciding which of the players’ contracts to renew and who to let go.

It means Saturday (March 23. 2.30pm kick-off) away at Llanharan takes on an extra significance for the squad.

Head coach Mike Hook said: "It’s a busy time contract time and these last few games now are about the boys earning a new contract.

"Having said that we’ve said as group of coaches we are targeting all of our remaining games now so performance is key."

Pontypool go hunting just win number two of the season when they visit Llanharan, one of the division’s more rough and ready sides.

The first meeting between the two this season spiralled into a mass brawl and Hook hopes Saturday’s referee will have the experience to deal with anything similar.

"It’s going to be physical," he says with a laugh.

"They’ve picked up some good wins this season and particularly at home they are a tough side to play against.

"An experienced referee is massive in games like this. Last time showed that, you can’t miss things like the forearm tackle."

Pooler will be assessing the fitness of key centre Chris Macey and prop Josh Powell, so impressive since making the switch from Ebbw Vale, ahead of the game after both missed Wednesday’s loss to Cardiff Met.

And Hook was also hopeful they would be able to retain the services of Bedwas wing Ryan Owen a try scorer in Cardiff, and Dragons second-row Josh Tyler, though both of those would not be confirmed until later in the week.