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Rugby Preview for 31st January 2009
I only had six out of eight right last week (still, 75% isn’t to be sneezed at is it?) That keeps me over 90% for the season and our ‘Expert’ in the football section would certainly love to achieve that target!
We are back to a full programme this Saturday, weather permitting, of course, before there is yet another break for the Six Nations Cup!
Division One (West):
Carmarthen Athletic v Whitland
There is very little to choose between these sides, with the Athletic in fifth place and Whitland one spot below them but both having won seven out of 12 league games.Carmarthen won 10-3 at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn and with Whitland not firing on all cylinders recently I expect the homesters to win.
Narberth v Maesteg
Narberth have won eight out of 11 league matches whilst the former top-class club is eighth with only five wins from their 12 starts.The Otters should take the verdict and stay second in the league table.
Division Three (West):
Aberystwyth v Cardigan
Aberystwyth shaded a 12-11 verdict in Cardigan last week as the Teifisiders scored the only try of the match but conceded four penalties to Jason Rees.It left Aber as clear second favourites for promotion behind undefeated Pontyberem and although I hope I’m wrong I think that home advantage will see them grab the double.
Haverfordwest v Pontyberem
Pontyberem currently boast a played 12, won 12, record and beat Haverfordwest 36-9 in Pontyberem earlier in the season.They are a very good side and although the Blues will be out to cause a shock win I feel that they will do very well to take a bonus point against the runaway leaders.
Newcastle Emlyn v Crymych
Crymych travel to Newcastle Emlyn looking to add to their current record of seven wins from ten matches.The Preseli Men are currently fifth, but with games in hand, and although Emlyn are never easy to beat at Ddol Wiber I expect Crymych to claim a good away win.
Division Four (West):
Cwmgors v Pembroke
This has been very much a stop-start season for Pembroke and nothing highlights this fact more than games against Cwmgors, whom they beat 87-7 at home but then lost to in the Swalec Cup!Cwmgors have clearly strengthened a little since their tanking at Crickmarren but still have only one win – so Pembroke should be looking to build on their present record of five wins and six defeats.
Pembroke Dock Quins v Trimsaran
Pembroke Dock Harlequins are looking a different side now that their walking wounded are returning, as they proved against third-placed Brynamman.Trimsaran beat the Quins 16-15 with home advantage but I rate this match as a banker bet for Lenny Scourfield’s boys!
Tenby United v Brynamman
Tenby United are deserved runners-up in the section at the moment and will be looking to beat third-placed rivals who lost in Pembrokeshire last Saturday.The Seasiders have a strong squad and I would be very surprised if they don’t win this one!
Division Five (West):
Neyland v Milford Haven
This is another local derby which is hard to predict, despite Milford Haven being top of the table and Neyland lurking in seventh place with four wins out of ten games.The Mariners are undefeated in nine starts and only beat the All Blacks 16-14 at home – but I expect them to add another victory despite a lot of effort from Neyland.
St Davids v Llangwm
This match is equally difficult to work out because St Davids are bottom one and Llangwm are holding up the table.The Saints snatched a 23-16 success at Pill Parks as their only win of the season and Llangwm have won just once so whoever loses will be anchored at the bottom.
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