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Rugby Preview for Saturday, 24th January 2009
I look at the fixtures for Saturday fresh from another triumphant tipping session last Saturday when I was 100% right in 12 matches played – not bad for an old timer, I reckon! There is a strange mix of matches played this Saturday in a variety of competitions so let’s see how we get on.
Swalec Cup Round Five:
Big game for the Otters in Swalec Cup
Narberth v Cardiff
Narberth were the last team to play Cardiff at the old Arms Park in January 2007 when they lost 69-14 in the Swalec Cup– and now they entertain the ‘City Slickers’ at the Lewis Lloyd ground looking to improve on that result in the same competition.The Otters are anticipating a big crowd as Lee Jarvis plays outside half for a relatively young Cardiff side who are fifth in the top echelon of Welsh club rugby and beat old rivals 36-26 in their most recent league game.
No doubt about this one – the Otters will play well but will find Cardiff too much of a handful despite home advantage.
Llantwit Vardre v Whitland
The Borderers travel to Mid Glamorgan to play a Llantwit Vardre side which is currently dominating Division Three (South-East) having won all nine matches and scored a heap of points in the process. Their last match saw them win 28-11 at Tylorstown and other good wins have been achieved over teams like Treorchy, Penarth and Brecon.The Borderers beat Felinfoel 18-12 in their last match and should be up for this tussle – and they will need to be at their peak in front of a partisan crowd and a big pack.
Swalec Cup Bowl (Second Round):
Aberaeron v Fishguard and Goodwick
Fishguard are currently playing well after winning at Pontyates last weekend but Aberaeron are also running into a bit of form so this could be a difficult one to predict.But I have to go with Aberaeron since they are playing at home – although the Seagulls might surprise me if they were at full strength!
Swalec Plate (First Round):
Newcastle Emlyn v Pembroke
Newcastle Emlyn play in a section higher than Pembroke and also have home advantage so on paper it seems as if they will make progress – although much will depend on how keen both teams are to progress in this third level of Swalec competition.Newcastle Emlyn to win this win – if it gets played!
Division Three (West):
Cardigan v Aberystwyth
This could be a cracker of a match between two teams clearly with their eyes on a chance of promotion and much will depend on who comes out on top since both have quality back divisions.Aberystwyth have lost only once in ten starts and are second in the but I believe third-placed Cardigan have just the right blend at the moment so I’ll go for them to beat the Mid Wales outfit.
Tumble v Crymych
Crymych will have targeted this as an away win since Tumble have only won once in ten starts and are firmly rooted at the top of the table.The Preseli Men are currently fifth but have played three games fewer than some of the sides above them – and should win and grab a bonus point for four tries!
Division Four (West):
Pembroke Dock Harlequins v Betws
Pembroke Dock Harlequins entertain third-placed Betws but knowing that if they play to their potential they can beat anyone in this section.The Quins had a good win last Saturday where Michael, Gareth and Lee Scourfield were all back in the fold – and I think they might just add Betws’s scalp to their list of wins this season.
Division Five (West):
Pontyates v Llangwm (1pm start)
The Wasps play their match early so that they can travel on to Swansea and watch the Ospreys play and it is to be hoped that they field a strong side because they are capable of an away win in Pontyates.Ponty have won twice and Llangwm only once so I hope the Wasps do well – but I’m not sure they can do it away.
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