Rugby Preview . .
fixtures for 19th September 2009

Welcome to the new rugby season where I haven’t got off to the best of starts as I had 9 out of 11 right the first week but only 7 out of 12 correct last Saturday. I can console myself by saying that it takes time for settling into a routine but I need to get going, otherwise I will have ‘The Expert’ wanting to forecast the rugby as well as the football!

 

Division One (West):

Carmarthen Athletic v Narberth

Carmarthen Athletic have won both their first two games and had a bonus point in one of them so they are a team to be reckoned with, especially at home, whilst Narberth will be eager to show that defeat against Felinfoel was a blip. Verdict: The Otters can win this one but on the balance I have to for the Athletic.

Whitland v Tonmawr

Whitland are deservedly in joint top and should be looking to win at home against Tonmawr, who lost at home to Llangennech last week. Verdict: Every match is difficult in this division but I think the Borderers have enough fire-power to maintain their unbeaten record.

 

Division Three (West):

Crymych v Penclawdd

Crymych will be eager for victory at home to Penclawdd after defeat last week, with the Cocklemen also going down then at Morriston by 22-14. Verdict: The Preseli Men to win this one – no doubt about it!

Lampeter Town v Haverfordwest

Haverfordwest have lost both their opening matches but by narrow margins whilst Lampeter lost last Saturday at Llanybydder. Verdict: It should be close but again I have this feeling that the Blues will do well to secure a bonus point from an away game.

 

Morriston v Cardigan

Cardigan played really well to dispose of Llandeilo whilst Morriston beat Penclawdd in this tough section where only one team is unbeaten after two matches. Verdict: I go for Cardigan but not with any real conviction on this occasion.

 

Division Four (West): 

Betws v Pembroke Dock Quins

It is fair to say that the Quins have made a disappointing start and must look for an improvement against Betws, who only lost 26-15 to table-topping Cefneithin. Verdict: I have to go for Betws because the Quins are not firing on all cylinders yet!

 

Milford Haven v Cefneithin

There is no love lost between these two sides and Cefneithin have made a good start with maximum points from two games whilst the Mariners lost narrowly to Hendy. Verdict: I want the Mariners to win this match but I have a gut feeling that Cefneithin might have a little too much experience for them.

 

Pembroke v Trimsaran

Pembroke didn’t play well at Pontarddulais but should be back to something like full strength against a Trimsaran side near the foot of the table. Verdict: The Scarlets’ pack will secure enough possession to ensure a good win for the Crickmarren Crowd.

 

Tenby United v Pontarddulais

Tenby have yet to record a win and lost heavily at home last week to Tumble, who share top spot with the ‘Bont’. The visitors are very strong up front so the Seasiders will have to raise their game a couple of notches to secure the spoils. Verdict: Sadly, I have to go for a Pontarddulais win.

 

Division Five (West): 

Aberaeron v Neyland

Aberaeron edged home by a single point last week to keep their unbeaten tag whilst Neyland are one of three teams with maximum points. Verdict: It should be a tough call but if Neyland keep their heads they could remain unbeaten.

 

Fishguard v Llangwm

Fishguard have played really well in their first two games whilst Llangwm are beginning to settle after two defeats. Verdict: The Seagulls to win and secure a bonus point.

 

New Dock Stars v St Davids

New Dock beat Pontyates 69-8 last Saturday so will be confident of beating St Davids, who have lost both their games so far. Verdict: The Saints are playing better than their results suggest but I feel home advantage will sway the result in the Stars’ favour.