Ward will be centre of attention once more

Feb 29 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

THE Principality Welsh Premiership Glamorgan Wanderers clash will double up as a memorial match for one of their former players.

Nick Ward, the ex Wanderers and Cardiff centre, died in Melbourne from leukaemia in November 2006. He was 50.

Ward played for Llandaff and Cardiff before joining Wanderers during the 1979/80 season, scoring 46 points in the last eight games.

The game in his honour at the Memorial Ground in Ely will kick off at 1.30pm, an hour earlier than most Welsh Premiership matches.

This is because Cardiff Blues are playing Munster at the Arms Park and it gives club fans an opportunity to travel to support their region.

Second-placed Cardiff will be looking to keep in touch with runaway leaders Neath who host Llandovery at the Gnoll.

The Blue and Blacks are currently five points behind the Welsh All Blacks and have played two more games.

Meanwhile former Wanderers fly-half Gareth McCarthy returns from injury for Pontypridd’s trip to face Newport at Rodney Parade.

Cardiff Blues squad member Tom Riley is also included on the wing, while second-row Chris Martenko continues his rehabilitation from a long term shoulder injury by making his first league start since rejoining Pontypridd.

But Ponty will be without the services of a number of players due to international call-ups and injury. Scrum-half Rhys Downes and hooker Rhys Williams are both involved with the Wales Under-18 squad, the latter having the honour of captaining the side.

Wing Gavin Close and flanker Lee Evans are also missing through injury.

Ponty are currently lying fourth while the Black and Ambers are languishing in 10th place.

“It will be a tough challenge for us at Rodney Parade.” said Ponty coach Paul John.

“Newport are a physical side who will pose us plenty of problems.

“We have put together some good results over the past month, and need to keep the momentum going now after last week’s break.

“The Newport result will be an important one for us if we want to keep on course for a good league finish this season.”

Bridgend face the formidable task of travelling to face Aberavon on their own patch, while bottom club Maesteg will be looking to leap above Llandovery when they face Swansea at the Old Parish ground.

In the day’s other games, Bedwas entertain second-placed Ebbw Vale, while Llanelli host Cross Keys.

Pontypridd: M Hutchings; Clayton, G Dacey, A Thomas, T Riley; G McCarthy, A Jenkins; S Williams, D Goodfield, R Harford. C Martenko, C Dicomidis, G Lewis. W O’Connor, N Strong (c).

Reps (from): P Matthews, N Burnett, K Baller, L Price, S Hobbs, L Davies, R Savage, G Harrington, S Studley.

gareth.griffiths@mediawales.co.uk