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Fixtures for 5th December 2009
At last the autumn internationals have finished and we can get back to the nitty-gritty of local rugby with, weather permitting, a full programme of matches for our clubs in Divisions One, Three, Four and Five (West).
Whitland entertain Bridgend as they seek to stay top of Division One (West), Narberth have a vital tussle at Basement club Builth Wells in the same division, whilst pride of place in the other divisions goes to the local derby between Milford Haven and Tenby United, which on paper seems plain sailing for the Mariners but the Seasiders have welcomed back some former players to the fold and might be heading for sunnier days!
Fishguard face a top-three clash with Aberaeron at the Moors and with both sides undefeated it could be on heck of a clash – so let’s hope the weather relents and we can see some real rugby action back in Pembrokeshire!
Division One (West):
Builth Wells v Narberth
This is a vital match for Narberth because Builth are bottom and the Otters are in need of points to move up from their tenth spot in the table. Verdict – a win for the Otters, if they play at their best!
Whitland v Bridgend
Whitland will look to return to winning ways at the expense of former top-class club Bridgend, who have only won twice from nine starts and are currently ninth in the table. Verdict – The Borderers to stay top with a win over the men from the Brewery Field!
Division Three (West):
Crymych v Llanybydder
Llanybydder will arrive to play Crymych at Parc Lloyd Thomas holding up the rest of the table and with only one win from ten matches, whilst the Preseli Men are in third place with six wins and three defeats. Verdict – Crymych to win this one, with a bonus point if the pitch isn’t too heavy.
Gorseinon v Haverfordwest
Haverfordwest’s form improved before the internationals but this is a tough one for the Blues as they journey to second-placed Gorseinon in pursuit of their fourth win from 10 outings. Verdict: I would love to see the Blues win but my head tells me that Gorseinon will be too strong at home.
Laugharne v Cardigan
Cardigan are just below fifth-placed Laugharne in the table but have played two games fewer, so this is likely to be a tough one for the Teifisiders since Laugharne are traditionally strong at home. Verdict: Laugharne will start as favourites but I have a sneaky feeling that Cardigan might just snatch the verdict if they are on top form.
Division Four (West):
Burry Port v Pembroke
Pembroke travel to Burry Port with a slight advantage in terms of league positions (sixth and seventh respectively) but are not the best travellers this season so they will be hoping to reverse that trend. Verdict: It’s Burry Port for me, with apologies to the Scarlets!.
Milford Haven v Tenby United
This is the most intriguing match of the day because Milford Haven are top whilst Tenby United are tenth – so on form it should be the Mariners to win at home. But interest will be centred on who turns out for Tenby because in their KO Cup win over Pembroke they had players back from Narberth. Verdict: I still think Milford might still have too much fire-power, especially if The Obs is as wind-swept as of late!
Pembroke Dock Quins v Hendy
The Quins are desperate for points after winning only twice in eight games and with Hendy having won just one match more this is a game that coach Paul Rogers will have targeted for the Quins. Verdict: I pick the Quins, but I wouldn’t like to put my mortgage on it!
Division Five (West):
Fishguard v Aberaeron
This is a real tester for Fishguard’s 100% record since visitors Aberaeron have drawn at home with Neyland but have won all their other matches to lie in third place. Verdict: The Seagulls have a very strong squad at the moment, though, and if they play to their potential this should be a home win!
Furnace v Llangwm
The Wasps travel to Furnace hoping to quell the opposition’s fire but the Wasps are not traditionally the best at travelling out of the county. Verdict: Furnace have only won three times and lost on four occasions but I can’t see Llangwm claiming a second win from their ninth fixture.
Penygroes v Neyland
Neyland were on top form before the break so it is to be hoped that they continue that run now as they play at Penygroes, who have won five and lost three – but are usually strong at home. Verdict: Still a win for the All Blacks, if they travel with their right heads on!
Swansea Uplands v St Davids
St Davids will travel to Swansea Uplands in the knowledge that the homesters have lost all seven of their matches and failed to raise a side on a couple of occasions. Verdict: The Saints beat Llangwm in their most recent game and skipper Fraser Watson will make sure that the Saints are not over-confident for this one!
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