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Rugby Preview
Fixtures for the 17th October 2009
Seven predictions out of eight matches played last Saturday means that I have at last found a little bit of tipping form and for the second week it was Pembroke who helped mess up my record.
The previous week I tipped them to lose and they won – and on Saturday I thought they would beat the Quins and they lost at Bierspool against their neighbours!
This week sees another important round of league games so here goes with a few more predictions that we can check over next weekend and see how I get on.
Division One (West):
Bridgend Athletic v Narberth
After five successive defeats this will be a real test of character for a Narberth side still without injured key players and reeling from a home loss to Whitland in their last game. Bridgend Athletic have won three times from six starts and if the Otters want to pull out of the bottom three this is a match they must win. Verdict: I think that Bridgend Athletic will hold the edge at home but I hope the Otters prove me wrong.Whitland v Felinfoel
Whitland are on the crest of a wave after five wins out of six starts and joint top spot with Bonymaen but face another challenge when they entertain Bonymaen at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn. Felinfoel have won four out of six matches and so will take some beating. Verdict: If the Borderers play to their strengths they should continue their winning ways.Division Three (West):
Cardigan v Llanelli Wanderers
Llanelli Wanderers have won half of their six matches to occupy a place in mid table whilst Cardigan, boosted by victory at Haverfordwest, have a similar record but sit three places above the Wanderers by dint of the fact that they have won four more bonus points. Verdict: The Teifisiders to win this match at home!Llandeilo v Crymych
Crymych have moved quietly into second place having lost only once but this is equally as tough as playing at league leaders Newcastle Emlyn two weeks ago since Llandeilo are very strong at home. Verdict: This could go either way but I plump for Crymych’s dogged determination alongside their high work rate and skills.Llanybydder v Haverfordwest
This is a match that Haverfordwest coach Craig Jones will have targeted as an a win because Llanybydder are currently the only team below the Blues in the table as both have won only once but Haverfordwest have earned four more bonus points. Verdict: Come on the Blues – you can win this one!Division Four (West):
Milford Haven v Tumble
Milford are playing some cracking rugby with their potent blend of youth and experience but Alan McClelland will know that Tumble traditionally have a big pack and play things tight – and have only lost once from their five games so far. Verdict: If Milford keep their focus and play their game, rather than being drawn into Tumble’s battle plan, they will beat yet another of the section’s top teams.Pembroke v Amman United
Pembroke’s topsy-turvy season continues as they entertain an Amman United outfit which has the same number of points but has played one game fewer than the Scarlets. Verdict: Pembroke can win this tussle and maintain their 100% home record if their pack goes well.Tenby United v Pembroke Dock Quins
A local derby that is even more difficult than normal to predict because neither side has found its real form The Quins beat Pembroke last week and Tenby lost heavily but all that means nowt in this one. Verdict: I go for the Seasiders but without any real conviction.Division Five (West):
Fishguard v Furnace
Fishguard are now five points clear at the top of the table and although Furnace have proved tough opponents for the Seagulls in the past they have won just two games so far this campaign: Verdict: Fishguard to win comfortably!Neyland v Llangwm
Yet another local derby in this division as Neyland entertain Llangwm having slammed St Davids last week, whilst the Wasps had a bit of a rest since Aberaeron were involved in cup activity. Verdict: Llangwm will battle really hard but I have to select Neyland to win with something in hand.Pontyates v St Davids
With both teams having lost all their games so far then something has to give here! The saints could well snatch a win if they are at full strength but I fear they might have another bout of travel sickness. Verdict: C’mon you Saints – you can win this win if you give it your best shot!
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