RUGBY Fixtures for Saturday, 18th October, 2008

**  Last week was a disaster where I really showed my limited predicting skills to the full with only five correct forecasts from 11 matches – less than 50% right. Dear oh dear! I really have to do better on Saturday or have to look for a rugby expert to take over the reins! **

Division One (West):

Corus v Narberth

On paper this should be easy for Narberth since the Steelmen have only won two out of six matches and languish in tenth place but the Otters have had their last two games postponed so could be a little ring-rusty. Narberth will still win this one with a little to spare.

Whitland v Llangennech

Whitland are bonny battlers, especially at home, and should have a little too much forward strength for Llangennech, who have so far won twice in five outings. The Borderers to ease home but it might well be close.

Division Three (West):

Cardigan v Crymych

What a humdinger of a local derby this should be, with Crymych playing really well and Cardigan enjoying home advantage. The Teifisiders started with three league wins but have lost their lost two so they will be looking to get back into winning ways, whilst the Preseli Men are full of confidence. You can’t stick a pin between these two but if pushed I would bet on Crymych!

Haverfordwest v Llanelli Wanderers

Haverfordwest lost last week in Newcastle Emlyn, who were smashed by the Wanderers the pervious week so on that line it should be a win for the Wanderers, the home club of current Blues chairman Brian Stephens. Home advantage will give the Blues a win and send the Wanderers back to Llanelli still with two wins from seven matches played.

Division Four (West):

Llandeilo v Pembroke

Pembroke face a real tester against a Llandeilo side who have a 100% record so far but did win away at Tycroes last Saturday to show they can win on the road. The Scarlets will find it hard going and I have to go for Llandeilo.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins v Trimsaran

The Quins played really well last weekend to beat top of the table Brynamman and a repeat of that form will see them too strong for a Trimsaran side which is in tenth spot with only two wins from five starts. A win for the Quins but they must play it tight and not concede soft scores.

Tenby United v Cwmgors

The Seasiders had a cracking win at Hendy in their last match and on paper this should be the banker of the day because Cwmgors have lost all five games and conceded a heap of points. Tenby to win and collect a bonus point in the process.

Division Five (West):

Fishguard & Goodwick v Furnace

Furnace are in third place and fired up to gain promotion after four wins in five games so far. The Seagulls battled hard at Neyland last Saturday without much luck and will need to lift the tempo to get back to winning ways. Furnace could be too hot for the Seagulls on current form – but I hope Alan Phillips’ lads prove me wrong.

Llangwm v Aberaeron

Llangwm are an enigma because they can play so well but then go off the boil, whilst Aberaeron have only one once in five games after going so close to promotion last campaign. I’ll go for the Wasps with home advantage but I wouldn’t bet my life savings on it!

Milford Haven v Cefneithin

The match of the day since both teams are unbeaten and have 22 points at the top of the table. The Mariners take on an experienced Cefneithin side  and will show lots of grit and skill because they fear no-one in the section. It will be close but home advantage might just wing it the Mariners’ way.  

St Clears v Neyland

Neyland just beat Fishguard last week whilst St Clears won at St Davids to move into  fourth place, just ahead of the All Blacks. The Saints should march home here because Neyland are not good travellers but it’s not to far away for them so they might sneak it.