Rugby Preview for Saturday 7th March 2009

 

I really am on a crest of a wave with rugby forecasting these days and following my 12 out of 12 correct the week before last I again achieved a 100% record last Saturday from the nine matches involving local clubs.

So here we go again with another full programme of Saturday matches involving Pembrokeshire clubs – and I fear they will be trickier on this occasion!

 

Division One (West):

 

Whitland v Carmarthen Quins

Whitland face a really tough tussle against runaway leaders Carmarthen Quins and it is hard to see a Borderers’ win on this occasion, even with home advantage. The Quins gave Narberth a ten-point start last Saturday and still won by 25 points – and won by 19-3 in the previous fixture against the Borderers.
I have to go for the Quins – although I would love to see the home side lowering their colours!

 

Tonmawr v Narberth

This is another hard match for Narberth against a team that is vying with them for second spot.
The Otters have lost their last two games and I fear this will be a rare third loss on the trot for them in Tonmawr.

 

Division Three (West):

 

Llanelli Wanderers v Crymych

Crymych were very disappointed not to play last weekend because they are in cracking form as they journey to play a Llanelli Wanderers’ side in tenth place.
The Preseli Men are seeking a top-three position and after beating the Wanderers at home by 34-6 look assured of achieving the double.

 

Laugharne v Cardigan

Cardigan is another team on song, as they proved with a 32-0 home win in their previous match. Laugharne are a different kettle of fish than Llanelli Wanderers though – and won in Cardigan by 21-13. But I think the Teifisiders will gain revenge here – although it could be close!

 

Haverfordwest v Newcastle Emlyn

Haverfordwest were not in action last Saturday so will be looking to build on their surprise win over leaders Pontyberem as they play host to Newcastle Emlyn.
The Blues have some talented young players around skipper Steve Williams and should gain revenge for an 18-14 reverse in Newcastle Emlyn.

 

Division Four (West):

 

Brynamman v Pembroke Dock Harlequins

The Quins are in a rich vein of form and will travel to high-flying Brynamman full of confidence after wins over Pembroke and Pontarddulais.
The Quins won at home by 17-16 and although I would love to see them complete the double I think Brynamman will redress the balance with a hard-fought victory here.

 

Pembroke v Tycroes

Pembroke are a tricky side to predict because it depends which Scarlets’ team turns up. Last week they won by 36-28 at Burry Port and have already won 7-0 at Tycroes, who are currently 10th in the section ladder.
The Scarlets should win this one comfortably, with Mark Williams and skipper Gareth Jones as key players.

 

Tenby United v Hendy

Tenby fought back to winning ways against Betws and with home advantage must surely have too much fire-power for Hendy, who have only won three times so far this campaign.
The Seasiders won 41-15 in Hendy and will surely pick up a bonus point in a comfortable win.

 

Division Five (West):

 

Fishguard and Goodwick v Neyland

Another local derby in this section as Neyland travel to play at Goodwick Moor with a 12-9 home win against the Seagulls already tucked under their belt.
Both teams are on form with a couple of wins under their belts but I go for Fishguard if they are at full strength and include the likes of skipper Simon James, Graham Davies, Huw Evans, Alan Phillips and Romeo Colella.

 

Llangwm v Swansea Uplands

This is a real basement battle between two sides struggling to find a win, with Llangwm having just one success and the Uplands two wins.
The Wasps lost 13-11 at the Uplands but surely must win at home if they are at anything like full strength.

 

Milford Haven v Aberaeron

This is a tough one for Milford Haven because Aberaeron are a useful side – but lost last weekend to Cefneithin at home.
The Mariners are still unbeaten and won by just 3-0 at a rain and windswept Aberaeron – but I fully expect them to win by a wider margin at the Obs!

 

St Clears v St Davids

This Battle of the Saints has St Clears as clear favourites since they are in fifth place and St Davids are tenth – with St Clears having won 19-12 away from home.
St Davids will battle all the way but I think St Clears will be too strong for them – which is a pity!