Fixture Previews . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Rugby Forecasts

 

Fixtures for 26th March 2011

 

Division One (West):

 

Narberth v Corus

Narberth face a tough battle on Saturday as they entertain second-placed Corus at the Lewis Lloyd Ground, a side which has lost just six times in 18 starts and is renowned for its gritty play. Verdict: The Otters won 23-20 in the reverse fixture and I would expect them to complete the double here.

 

Whitland v Waunarlwydd

Waunarlwydd are struggling in the bottom three, with just five wins so far, but Whitland know that they are no pushovers since the Borderers won 30-26 in a real battle at Waunarlwydd. Verdict: A win for Whitland – no doubt about it! 

 

Division Three (West):

 

Dunvant v Crymych

This is arguably the biggest banana skin for Crymych if they are to go through the season unbeaten because Dunvant have an experienced side which is in third place and has a very good home record. Verdict: The Preseli Men beat Dunvant by 19-16 on the opening day of the season but they will win this return match only if they are at their very best form.

 

Haverfordwest v Llanelli Wanderers

Haverfordwest played some really good rugby last Saturday in disposing of Gorseinon and if they are on similar form against Llanelli Wanderers they will rack up the points. Verdict: The Blues won 48-3 in Llanelli and this has to be the day’s banker bet since the Wanderers have only won twice this season!

 

Division Four (West):

 

Aberaeron v Tenby United

This is another ‘must win’ match for Tenby if they are to stay clear of Amman United at the head of the table – and they know how hard it will be after beating Aberaeron easily at home in the league but just edging the result in the Swalec competition. Verdict: This is sure to be a real tester for the Seasiders – but I still think they will keep up their winning streak.

 

Cardigan v Hendy

Cardigan have looked one of the most improved sides in recent weeks and so they face Hendy knowing that if they can continue in similar fashion they will be too strong against a team that sits in eighth place, with six wins from 16 games. Verdict: Cardigan to win and keep a tight grip on their third place in this section.

 

Llanybydder v Pembroke Dock Quins

The Quins played really well last weekend against high-flying Llanybydder but rarely travel well and so this little trek to Llanybydder is an even more difficult prospect for them. Verdict: My heart says the Quins might just snatch the verdict to avenge a 16-7 home defeat against Llanybydder but my head has to go for a defeat for the Quins!

 

Neyland v Milford Haven

A real local derby is in prospect as Neyland entertain Milford Haven, who will be eager to complete the double since they beat the All Blacks at The Obs by 27-25. Since then, neither side has had a rich vein of continued form so it could go either way. Verdict: This is almost impossible to predict but I think the Mariners might just sail away with the double – but only just!

 

Division Five (West): 

 

Burry Port v St Davids

St Davids travel to Burry Port seeking their sixth success from 16 starts but it will be hard going against a team which has very fast backs and are currently fourth in the table. Verdict: Burry Port look too sharp for the Saints, unless they can be tied down up front!

 

Llangwm v St Clears

Llangwm suffered a huge me defeat against Furnace so they will be eager to put that loss behind them against St Clears, whom they beat 13-5 earlier in the campaign. Verdict: If Llangwm are back to full strength then they might complete the double here.

 

Pembroke v Bynea

Pembroke know they need to win all their remaining matches if they are to gain promotion and take on a Bynea side currently placed eighth and not looking too sharp. Verdict: The Scarlets should be far too strong up front and I expect them to win this one to go with a 21-0 success in Bynea.

 

Pontyates v Fishguard

Fishguard will be hot favourites to maintain their unbeaten record against a Pontyates’ outfit with a 100% loss record from 15 starts. Verdict: To be fair to Ponty they try to play constructive rugby but they will find the Seagull pack too strong for them and the Fishguard backs should run in tries aplenty. Verdict: No doubt about this one – I’ll eat my hat if Fishguard lose!