Fixture Previews . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Rugby Forecasts

 

Fixtures for Saturday 9th April 2011

 

Division One (West):

 

UWIC v Narberth

The Otters lost at home to the students by 35-33 in an exciting clash and another great game of running rugby can be expected in Cardiff. Verdict: Narberth are third whilst their opponents are fourth so it should be tight – but the Otters could snatch the verdict here! 

 

Whitland v Maesteg

Maesteg are currently floundering in tenth place after being a top club at one time and Whitland have already beaten ‘The Old Parish’ by 28-16 in Gwent. Verdict: The Borderers to complete the double here - and record their ninth win from 18 starts!

 

Division Three (West): 

 

Lampeter v Haverfordwest

This match is between two of the teams that play really entertaining rugby and Lampeter have already beaten Haverfordwest by 21-18 in Merlins Bridge. Verdict: But the Blues have improved no end since then and are now in third place to their opponents’ 6th – and if they play to their recent form they should gain ample revenge.

 

Crymych v Gorseinon

Crymych are honing in on a season of remaining undefeated in league matches and start as hot favourites to beat eighth-placed Gorseinon, especially with home advantage. Verdict: The Preseli Men to make it 18 wins from 18 starts and inflict an eighth defeat on the opposition from 15 matches.

 

Division Four (West): 

 

Cardigan v Pembroke Dock Quins

Cardigan are deservedly third in the table after recent good form whilst the Quins lost 57-12 at home to Hendy last Saturday and are 11th in the table, with only two wins from 17 games. Verdict: A definite home banker as the Teifisiders complete the double, having already won 20-15 at Bierspool.

 

Cefneithin v Milford Haven

Milford beat Cefneithin at home by 24-9 and should complete a double over this opposition if they have anything like a strong squad on the bus. Verdict: This ought to be really plain sailing for the Mariners!

 

Llanybydder v Tenby United

Tenby beat Llanybydder 22-18 at home and know they face a real challenge against opponents currently fifth in the section if they want to remain in top spot. Verdict: The Seasiders are aware of how important the next few games are and I expect them to complete the double here!

 

Neyland v Trimsaran

Neyland need to tuck a few wins under their belt to finally move away from any thoughts of relegation, and victory over Trimsaran would give them revenge for a 27-12 reverse at Trimsaran. Verdict: The All Blacks should claim their fifth win from 17 starts – if they play to their strengths.

 

Division Five (West):

 

Pembroke v Fishguard

After losing for the first time last Saturday, Fishguard will travel to Pembroke knowing that only a win will do, whilst the Scarlets will want to keep alive their own hopes of promotion and avenge a 16-3 defeat in Fishguard. Verdict: Undoubtedly the hardest match to try and predict this Saturday – but if pushed I would have to go with the visitors!

 

St Davids v Penygroes

St Davids played really well at home to Bynea and coach Jack Dudley will be looking for a similarly good performance as the Saints entertain seventh-placed Penygroes. Verdict: Penygroes won 21-3 at home and although I hope the Saints prove me wrong I think Penygroes will complete the double here!

 

Swansea Uplands v Llangwm

Llangwm have suffered some heavy defeats of late but travel to Swansea Uplands knowing they can pick up a morale-boosting victory if they play well. Verdict: The Wasps won 34-24 at Pill Parks but I fear that sadly having to play with a number of key players out injured might cause the Uplands to snatch only their fifth win from 17 starts.