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Rugby Preview
Fixtures for 16th January 2009
Will the weather relent in time?
After another blank last Saturday then rugby players, coaches and supporters will be chomping at the bit to get back into some action this weekend after so much snow and ice – fingers are certainly crossed across the county!
Swalec Cup – Round Two:
Narberth v Pontypool
This could be a great chance for the Otters to complete a win over a former top-class side because Pontypool rugby is in the doldrums at present, with only one win and 13 defeats as their record in the Premier section of Welsh Rugby. Verdict: The Otters haven’t been playing as well as in recent years but they will know that they might spring a surprise here if they can raise their game.Llandovery v Whitland
The Borderers face a tough task as they travel to a Llandovery side which is currently ninth in the Premier Division, with six wins, two draws and seven defeats. Verdict: Their last three games have featured a 16-16 home draw with Llanelli and defeats against Neath (25-20) and Cross Keys (37-8) – but they smashed Aberavon 52-34 just before that so the Borderers are underdogs for sure in this one!Swalec Plate – Round Three:
Crymych v Laugharne
This is a Division Three (West) battle with Crymych currently fourth with seven victories and two defeats, whilst opponents Laugharne are seventh with only four wins from ten starts. Verdict: The Preseli Men won 16-14 when the teams met in the league at Parc Lloyd Thomas and I expect them to pouch another narrow win here!Swalec Bowl – Round Four:
Pembroke v Amman United
Pembroke and Amman United are in Division Four (West) and have already played at Crickmarren, when the visitors won 26-14 as one of their four wins alongside three losses. Verdict: The Scarlets are presently one place lower than Amman United in seventh spot, having won four games in 11 starts, and if they play to their potential they can make it to round five.Llangadog v Milford Haven
Milford Haven go into the unknown as they journey to Llangadog to play against a side which plays in Division Six (West) after being a junior union club until the formation of the new section. The Mariners are in second place in Division Four (West), with seven wins out of nine games whilst the opposition are fourth in their section with four wins, one draw and three defeats. Verdict: The Mariners should win this easily if they don’t get over-confident.Division Four (West):
Pembroke Dock Quins v Betws
This is another ‘must win’ match for the Quins as they play Betws at Bierspool looking for revenge for a narrow 15-18 reverse in Betws. The Quins are in 11th, with only three wins from six starts, whilst Betws are tenth, with three victories and seven defeats. Verdict: The Quins will be up for this match and should secure the spoils.Division Five (West):
Llangwm v Fishguard
Fishguard won an entertaining match against Llangwm at The Moors by 41-11 and will be keen to maintain top spot with a success at Pill Parks against a Llangwm side playing much better than when the teams last met. Verdict: It should be a Seagulls’ win but the Wasps will push them hard indeed!Neyland v Aberaeron
When the teams met in Aberaeron they shared 20 points in an epic tussle and the All Blacks have really raised their game a couple of notches since then. Verdict: The All Blacks can win this and put some space between them and the Mid Wales side – providing they play like they have in their most recent games.St Davids v New Dock Stars
This is another tight match since seventh-placed Saints have home advantage over a New Dock Stars side who are a place above after having points deducted from their played seven, won five, record. Verdict: I hope the Saints win but I have to side with the Stars to snatch the verdict here.
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