Fixture Previews . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Rugby Forecasts

 

Fixtures for 24th September 2011

 

Not a bad start to the new campaign as I had eight predictions right and four wrong, with two of those very close finishes and with me expressing my doubts about both teams I had selected.

But I would love to do better this Saturday, although there are some tantalising matches in prospect which could go either way.

Why don’t you write down your predictions and then you’ll see how hard it is – and you can let us know if you beat me!

 

Division One (West):

 

Whitland v UWIC

The Borderers have made a good start and will be looking to ease past the students of UWIC at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn. The visitors always look to play running rugby and sometimes can have a very strong side. Verdict: UWIC have won only one of their first three matches and I expect the Borderers to maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign.

 

Bridgend Athletic v Narberth

Narberth’s unpredictable start to the season makes them a nightmare to predict, as they showed last Saturday when they were 32 points adrift at half time and almost won the game! But they lost to Tata Steel and now travel to play Bridgend Athletic, in seventh spot with only one win from three starts. Verdict: An Otters win!

 

Division Two (West):

 

Crymych v Glynneath

This is another real tester for Crymych as they play host to a Glynneath side in first place, having secured three good wins. The Preseli Men, however, are still seeking their first success in this section and know how hard it is at this level. Verdict: I have to pick Glynneath on form but really hope Crymych can pick up their first win.

 

Division Three (West):

 

Llandeilo v Haverfordwest

What a start for the Blues – three out of three so far. Now they travel to Llandeilo hoping to maintain that run against fourth placed opposition so it is going to be tough. Verdict: With Steve and Dave Williams, Dan Birch and John Whitticombe on form the Blues could make it four out of four!

 

Tenby United v Tumble

Tenby United are still troubled by the loss of key players but will battle all the way at Heywood Lane against a Tumble side which has won two of its first three games and sit in fifth place. Verdict: Sadly, I have to go for a narrow Tumble win.

 

Pontarddulais v Cardigan

Cardigan travel to Pontarddulais, who have yet to gain a win after three matches and are bottom of the table, whilst the Teifisiders won well last Saturday after two defeats. Verdict: I think that Cardigan might just come home with the points here!

 

Division Four (West): 

 

Furnace v Neyland

This is a real tough nut for Neyland to crack! Furnace are top with three wins whilst the All Blacks have lost all three of theirs. Verdict: Furnace are hot favourites for victory against the All Blacks.

 

Llanelli Wanderers v Milford Haven

This should be a close result on current form since Llanelli Wanderers have a 100% win record and Milford Haven have won two out of three matches so far. Verdict: This could be an epic encounter and I hope the Mariners win – but I have this nagging feeling that home advantage will see the Wanderers through!

 

Division Five (West): 

 

Cefneithin v St Davids

St Davids travel to Cefneithin still seeking even a bonus point whilst the home side are fifth, with two wins so far. Verdict: It has to be a Cefneithin win, although it grieves me to admit it!

 

Fishguard v Nantgaredig

Fishguard looked a strong outfit against the Quins and now play home again to newcomers Nantgaredig, who showed their pedigree last season with two wins over local clubs in the Welsh Cup competitions. Verdict: Both teams have lost once in three starts and I believe the Seagulls will win at The Moors.

 

Llangwm v Pontyates

Llangwm will go into their home tussle with Pontyates in confident mood after successive wins against St Davids and Bynea, whilst the visitors to Pill Parks have yet to secure a single point. Verdict: A Wasps’ win, as long as they have a settled squad!

 

Pembroke Dock Quins v St Clears

St Clears won well at Pembroke last Saturday and now travel a mile down the road to Bierspool to play the Quins, who have lost all three matches so far. Verdict: The Saints are in confident mood with three wins out of three starts and should be too strong for an inexperienced Quins’ side.

 

Penygroes v Pembroke

Pembroke lost at home to St Clears last Saturday and now face an even tougher challenge as they journey to Penygroes, who have already beaten Pontyates, Bynea and St Davids. Verdict: The form book suggests a Penygroes win but they have yet to play a seriously strong side and so I will go for a win for Ossie Boswell’s Boys!