page revision date : 22nd December 2008
Rugby Preview for 27th December 2008
Last week’s three Swalec competitions saw seven games take place and again I had a good week with six forecasts right out of seven – and could claim some success in the other one because I did say Tenby would win at Aberaeron, provided they were at full strength – but they had something of a makeshift side (at least, that’s my excuse!)
Division One (West):
Whitland versus Narberth
This eagerly-awaited clash of the giants in Pembrokeshire Rugby takes place at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn with both sides eager to grab victory and claim bragging rights over the opposition until their next match.They are separated by just four miles and there is an intense rivalry that is shared by players, committees and supporters so it will be interesting to see who can gain the upper hand because their styles are so different.
Whitland are strong up front, with two good front rows, and have Lee Glanville and Aled Jones playing well in the centre, much of their play based on a solid set-piece platform whilst Narberth enjoy a more fluid approach as they try to release danger men like Steve Martin and Matthew Davies, although they have missed Sion Brace’s intuitive play. Much of their performance depends on the way fly half Aled Davies, who previously played for the Borderers, approaches the game because he has the ability to bring out the best in others around him when he is on top form.
It could be an epic tussle and I go for Narberth in the sure knowledge that if Randall Williams and his side win the home fans are sure to let me know!
Division Three (West):
Cardigan versus Newcastle Emlyn
This is another local derby where feelings run high, especially since there are players who have had a foot in both camps. The Cardis are currently fifth, with five wins in eight starts whilst Emlyn are placed eighth having won four and lost four in eight starts – and Cardigan also have home advantage. The Cardis also have greater fire-power and stronger defence, if you look at the stats since they have scored 230 points whilst conceding only 88, whereas Emlyn have scored 161 points but conceded 222.I’m very confident about this one – a home win for Cardigan!
Llanybydder versus Haverfordwest
Haverfordwest again travel with a number of players out injured and whilst those who have stepped in have done well and gained valuable experience it inevitably puts a strain on results. The Blues face a Llanybydder outfit which has scored 36 tries and conceded only 16 in their ten matches, moving quietly into third place whilst Haverfordwest are ninth but have shown their flair by scoring 24 tries and allowing only 19 for the opposition.The Blues will give their usual 100% commitment but, sadly, I expect Llanybydder’s greater experience to tell.
Pontyberem versus Crymych
Crymych face their sternest test so far this campaign as they travel o table-topping Pontyberem, who have won all ten matches with a points differential of 288-67 and scoring 40 tries whilst conceding a miserly six tries. The Preseli Men showed their capability and skills as they played really well against Cross Keys but they will have to play just as well to beat Pontyberem.I would love to see Crymych win but I think Ponty will power through with home advantage.
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