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Pembrokeshire Rugby Preview
for 25th April, 2009
Back to form!
I’m glad to report that I was back to something like my best form last Saturday as I got eight out of nine results right – only Fishguard let me down as they lost at Aberaeron.
They are a tricky bunch of matches to predict on the final Saturday of the campaign but I’ll give it my best shot so here goes!
Division One (West):
Bonymaen v Narberth
Bonymaen have improved after a slow start to the season and have moved quietly into eighth place with eight wins from 20 starts – but will find Narberth in no mood to let them get revenge for a 13-20 reverse when they last met. I think the Otters will complete a deserved double here but will have to work hard for it!
Maesteg v Whitland
Whitland won 13-6 at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn and will be eager to complete a double over the ‘Old Parish’, who are lingering in 11th place and in danger of relegation. The Borderers should win but I think that Maesteg will be up for this one – and might just snatch the verdict!
Division Three (West):
Crymych v Pontyberem
This could be the match of the day in Pembrokeshire because Crymych are in top form and Pontyberem are top of the table and keen for promotion. Pontyberem’s only defeat was in this county (against Haverfordwest) and I hope that this will be loss No 2 for them as Crymych show what they are made of!
Haverfordwest v Llanybydder
Haverfordwest have had a troublesome time with injuries and have done well to battle on in adversity – and seek a double here since they won 17-11 in Llanybydder. I hope the Blues win but have to go for the visitors on current form.
Newcastle Emlyn v Cardigan
Local derbies are notoriously difficult to predict and this one is no exception because Emlyn are in sixth place but have home advantage over fourth-placed Cardigan, who beat Emlyn 18-6 at home. I think the Cardis will win this one – they are a good side.
Division Four (West):
Betws v Pembroke Dock Quins
The Quins have moved up the table well over recent weeks and are capable of beating anyone in the section now, if they are at full strength. If the Quins are anywhere near their best side they will beat a Betws side who are a slot below them in sixth place.
Pembroke v Llandeilo
Pembroke entertain high-flying Llandeilo, who are clear leaders with a 100% record from 19 matches and eager to remain undefeated. The Scarlets are capable of overturning any side in the division on their day – but I think Llandeilo are just a little too strong overall for Pembroke.
Trimsaran v Tenby United
Tenby won 39-23 when the teams met at Heywood Lane and should be too strong for a Trimsaran outfit who have won eight of their 19 matches to reach eighth place. But the Seasiders are not the best travellers so I hope they play at their best to complete a double.
Division Five (West):
Fishguard v Cefneithin
Cefneithin are currently top of the table but on their home turf Fishguard will be eager to lower their colours, as they did against previous leaders Milford in a midweek match. I believe Fishguard will topple Cefneithin to show their true credentials as one of the best teams in the section.
Neyland v Furnace
Furnace have been on fire recently as they have moved into third place but won’t relish a trip to Neyland because the All Blacks are confident at home. It all depends what side the All Blacks can field so I plump for Furnace in the hope I fire up Neyland to victory.
Pontyates v Milford Haven
The easiest match of the day to predict, in my humble opinion since Milford are a very good young side and eager to gain promotion whilst Pontyates have only won six out of 18 starts. The Mariners won the home fixture 57-3 and although this might not be that easy they should also gain a bonus point!
St Davids v Swansea Uplands
An intriguing match between the two bottom sides in the table, with the Saints having won one match and the Uplands two, but with the Saints ahead by dint of gaining more bonus points. The Uplands won 12-8 at home but I expect the Saints to finish in style with a deserved home win for sticking to the task all season.
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