They say that pride comes before a fall and what a disaster last weekend as I only managed five right from nine starts. It was my worst set of scores for a long time and The Expert was very quickly on the phone to point out his 100% record last Saturday, top which I replied that it was only a ploy to wind him up sufficiently to beat his only nemesis! But Whitland let me down with an awful home performance, as did Pembroke – but I was glad that Narberth won in Carmarthen and at least the Seasiders lost to a Pembrokeshire side in the Quins.
Now it’s a case of ‘I must do better this weekend!’
Division One (West):
Narberth v Whitland
Undoubtedly the match of the day as the two top sides in District ‘H’ clash at the Lewis Lloyd Ground, with the Otters sitting pretty in third place and with the Borderers having played badly last weekend. I have to go for the Otters to win with something in hand - but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Whitland gain revenge for the 30-6 drubbing they received at home.
Division Three (West):
Crymych v Tumble
On paper the easiest match to predict of the season as in-form Crymych entertain a Tumble side languishing in bottom spot with only one win in 178 starts – and couldn’t even take a full team to Cardigan last Saturday. The Preseli Men to win by a shedful – if Tumble turn up!
Haverfordwest v Lampeter
Far harder to predict because the Blues are struggling to field a settled side – otherwise it would be an easy choice to plump for them. Haverfordwest lost 26-15 in Lampeter and I think they might just reverse that verdict if they play well.
Pontyberem v Cardigan
Undoubtedly the match of the day in the section, with Pontyberem in the top two and Cardigan just two places below them. Ponty won in Cardigan by 15-8 and I think a similar result in their favour might just be on the cards again this Saturday!
Division Four (West):
Burry Port v Tenby United
Burry Port have only won three league games all season as they languish in the bottom two and Tenby smashed them at Heywood Lane by 43-10. But the Seasiders have not played well over the last couple of weeks and this could be a banana skin for them – although I still think they will win this one!
Pembroke Dock Harlequins v Hendy
The Quins are full of confidence after beating Tenby and they should be far too strong, with home advantage as a bonus, for ninth-placed Hendy. The Quins won by 21-16 in Hendy and I fully expect a much wider margin at Bierspool.
Pembroke v Pontarddulais
Pembroke are still short of key players and have not found much cohesion of late so they might be stretched against visiting Pontarddulais. The Bont won 27-13 when the teams last met but I hope that the Scarlets can raise the tempo at Crickmarren and beat a side three places above them in the table.
Division Five (West):
Aberaeron v St Davids
Aberaeron are seeking to enhance their fourth place in the section and although St Davids are bonny battlers they will find this hard going. This will be a trip too far for Ty Ddewi – without any doubt on current form.
Llangwm v Pontyates
Llangwm have only won twice this season but are in with a shout against Pontyates if they can muster a full-strength squad. The Wasps can buzz at Pill parks against a Ponty team just two places above them in eighth place.
Milford Haven v Fishguard
This could be quite a battle because Milford haven are eager to enhance their promotion place but didn’t have a fixture last Saturday – whilst Fishguard scored 101 points against Swansea Uplands. The Seagulls know this will be a different test and I estimate it will be close – but plump for the Mariners because they know that only a win will do them!
Neyland v Swansea Uplands
The Uplands are in tatters after losing so heavily of late and it will be interesting to see if they can field a team to take on the All-Blacks. Neyland will win this game with ease if they are not over-confident – and by at least 50 points!
