Rugby Preview for 28th March 2009
Hello again – it seems ages since we last had a proper set of rugby fixtures because of the Six Nations Championship – why don’t they play internationals on Sunday so we can also have lots of local rugby on Saturdays?
I have to say that I was flushed with success again on the last occasion that local teams were involved in league matches, with 11 matches called right and only one wrong where Haverfordwest lost at home by 16-0 to Newcastle Emlyn – Tut! Tut! Blues!
That followed two weeks with 100% choices correct so I am due a spectacular fall from grace – but I’ll wade in optimistically and see how we go. Don’t forget, if you think you would like a bash at tipping local rugby just drop us a line via our ‘Contact Us’ page – we would be delighted to hear from you!
Division One (West):
Llangennech v Whitland
This is a match that Whitland must look to win because they are currently in seventh spot and won’t want to drop any further down the table. They beat Llangennech by 45-3 when the teams met at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn and know this will be a far harder tussle – and they will have to play well to secure the double!
Narberth v Corus
Narberth entertain Corus looking to gain revenge for a surprise 34-10 away defeat when the Steelmen had former Otter player Chris MacDonald in top form. He will be again involved in the return but the Otters should come out on top against a side which has risen to fifth place, just two below Narberth.
Division Three (West):
Crymych v Cardigan
Another tough local derby which is almost impossible to predict as these neighbours compete for the bragging rights in the area for the next six months. Cardigan won by 12-0 with home advantage but Crymych have been playing really well of late so I pick them with home advantage – but wouldn’t bet my last pound coin on it!
Llanelli Wanderers v Haverfordwest
It depends which team Haverfordwest take to Llanelli Wanderers, whom they beat 38-3 at Merlins Bridge, their full side or a makeshift side, because on paper they are well capable of beating the Wanderers. I hope it is the former – and then the three points are in the bag!
Division Four (West):
Cwmgors v Tenby United
Tenby United should complete the double over basement side Cwmgors, who have only won just once in 12 starts and are currently holding up the rest in the section table. The Seasiders have lost just three times in 15 starts and will be eager for victory No 13 after winning at home against Cwmgors by 66-10.
Pembroke Dock Quins v Llandeilo
The Quins have played some excellent rugby in moving up to fifth place in the table but now face their most daunting challenge as they entertain a Llandeilo side with a 100% record after 14 games, picked up 12 bonus points and scored 78 tries whilst conceding only 11 tries. The Quins are looking forward to fielding a full-strength squad and if they do they might push Llandeilo all the way but although I hope the Quins win my head says that the opposition are likely to complete the double, but not by as big a margin as the 24-0 scoreline when they last met.
Trimsaran v Pembroke
Pembroke are just ahead of Trimsaran in seventh place in the table but beginning to settle again after so many injuries there was inevitably disruption to their plans. They won 31-14 at Crickmarren but are not the best travelers so I have to plump for Trimsaran, although I really hope the Scarlets prove me wrong.
Division Five (West):
Aberaeron v Llangwm
Aberaeron won 25-6 at Pill Parks and the Wasps might just struggle in travelling, as they have done so often this campaign, winning only twice and neither victory achieved on the road. So this has to be a home selection – and perhaps with a bonus point thrown in!
Cefneithin v Milford Haven
This is sure to be the biggest test of Milford Haven’s resolve this campaign as the young Mariners look to retain top spot ahead of their rivals, currently lying in second place and sure to be boosted by their traditionally vociferous crowd. Milford drew with Cefneithin at home as the teams shared 30 points, the Mariners’ only match where they have failed to secure success, and I wish them every success but have this nagging worry that Cefneithin will be very strong at home!
Furnace v Fishguard
Fishguard have moved quietly into fourth place in the table and are just ahead of Furnace, whom they beat 29-0 at The Moors, but know this game will be harder than that. However, the Seagulls are a confident bunch at the moment and I think they might still be flying high after this tussle, where they aim to quench the Furnace fires!
Neyland v St Clears
St Clears arrive at the Athletic Ground in search of the double since they already have a 20-13 home win over the All Blacks – and I expect this game will be just as close and perhaps decided by a piece of skill are a moment of indecision – and I go for Neyland in the hope that they can maintain their discipline and show what they are made of.
