Rugby Preview for 1st November 2008

** I went really well in the Swalec Cup as only Pembroke let me down – and to be fair, who could possibly have predicted a Scarlets defeat against a side they had already beaten by 80 points this campaign? I got the other eight matches right but have to admit that I was wrong in both Division One games as Narberth and Whitland are proving to be very inconsistent so far. Still, I’ll settle for nine right out of 12 every week, especially after Milford Haven coach Alan McClelland told me that if he was predicting the results he would just go against my verdicts and be guaranteed success. I feel a challenge to Mackie to prove himself is on the cards! **

Division One (West):

Bonymaen v Whitland

Bonymaen have only won twice in seven starts so on paper Whitland should holds the edge – but the Borderers have not been at their best on the road so far so it could be an absorbing clash. I think the Borderers are due an away win so I’ll go with them!

Llangennech v Narberth

Narberth have lost two in a row to slump to mid table but they have only played six games so there is no need for the Otters to panic. Llangennech have won three and lost five so far and are strong on their home patch. I’ll plump for the Otters – but without much real conviction, I have to say.

 

Division Three (West):

Crymych v Haverfordwest

This should be a tight Pembrokeshire derby if Haverfordwest are at full strength but Crymych are a well-knit unit and playing with confidence under the dynamic leadership of Richard Llewellyn.
I have to go with the Preseli Men because I think home advantage will be very important here.

Tumble v Cardigan

Tumble have only won once in seven starts so on paper this should be an away win for Cardigan but they will know that Tumble are never easy on their home patch. The Teifisiders to win this – and hopefully secure a bonus point if they play their own brand of rugby and not mix it with Tumble.

 

 

Division Four (West):

Bettws v Pembroke

Pembroke have shown topsy-turvy form, especially in away fixtures like last week’s defeat at bottom placed Cwmgors, but they are basically a useful outfit when they play to their strengths. I hope the Scarlets win but I have to go for Bettws, who have so far won four and lost three matches.   

Pembroke Dock Harlequins v Tenby United

Easily the most difficult match to forecast this weekend! Tenby are playing really well but the Quins will be up for it after their  Swalec Cup win and like nothing better (other than beating Pembroke) than lowering the Seasiders’ colours! My heart says the Quins will win but I go for Tenby, purely on current form.

 

Division Five (West):

Cefneithin v Llangwm

Cefneithin are joint top of the section and still unbeaten – although they are not the strongest scrummagers in the world, a fact that Llangwm will do well to take notice of. The Wasps, however, are bad travellers this season so they might not have the full strength pack that could take Cefneithin apart and I have to go for another Cefneithin victory.

Neyland v St Davids

Another local derby, one of many this season in the section, where Neyland entertain St Davids. The All Blacks were without a game last weekend whilst the Saints played really well in the Swalec Cup. But Neyland should still be too strong at home for the gallant Saints.

Swansea Uplands v Fishguard

Fishguard are beginning to settle into a useful formation whilst Swansea Uplands have only won one match in six outings so far. The Seagulls showed real character against Tondu in the Swalec Cup and if they show that sort of form will easily overcome the Uplands.
I’ll go with Alan Phillips’ boys, especially if they have Graham Davies and Huw Evans in the lineup.