* I was sick that there were no rugby matches last Saturday since the previous week I had achieved 100% for the first time – all nine game forecast correctly to show the doom mongerers like Milford Haven coach Alan McClelland that I can judge form as well as the next pundit!
So this week it is back to Swalec Welsh Cup action and my chance to show that I am on the crest of a forecasting wave – so here we go with the six local sides who all face tough fixtures! *
Arguably the most difficult match of all faces Pembroke Dock Quins because they not only have to travel as far as Gwent for their match but they have to play a Blackwood side which is currently fourth in Division One (East). It could be argued that is on a par with the section in which Narberth and Whitland play but even more competitive since it includes the likes of Newbridge, Caerphilly, Beddau and Rumney ( Cardiff ). The Quins will find it very hard going and will give it their best shot despite it being a huge hurdle – but look certain to lose.
Llangennech are members of Division One (West) but at least the Mariners have home advantage. Their opponents have already lost to Narberth and Whitland but Alan McClelland’s boys, despite being joint top of Division Five (West) have their hands more than full on this occasion! I have to go for a Llangennech win, despite Mackie telling me his team could create a shock result.
Crymych must start as favourites since they play in a section higher than their opponents, who are currently bottom of Division Four (South-East) having lost all of their eight games. The Preseli Men are doing well in Division Three (West), having beaten Haverfordwest in their last league encounter, and should progress to the fourth round. Crymych to win if they play to their true potential and don’t get bogged down in a static game that will; suit the opposition.
Cardigan also have home advantage against Llantrisant, who have won all their first five matches in Division Two (East) and are hot favourites for promotion back to Division One. This is a real tough nut to crack for the Cardis and they will start as underdogs, for sure. I think Cardigan will bow out at this very stiff hurdle.
The Otters are at home in the knowledge that although the opposition are in Division One (East) they are currently in bottom place with eight losses in as many fixtures. The Otters are sixth in Division One (West) but are better than that position suggests. Narberth should definitely make progress if they play to form.
Whitland are fourth in Division One (West) and so will travel to Cwmavon in confident mood since their opponents play in Division Two (West) and are lying tenth in the table with just one win from their first five league starts. The Borderers should ease their way through to the fourth round.
** It all adds up to some very interesting matches and if three out of the six march on then Pembrokeshire Rugby will be doing well. **
