Championship Division:

 
Narberth v Glamorgan Wanderers

Narberth entertain Glamorgan Wanderers at The Lewis Lloyd Ground in a match that is sure to be an entertaining one because both like to play attacking rugby.

The Otters are currently fifth whilst The Wanderers, who play at Ely on the outskirts of Cardiff, are a position below them - and with identical records of four wins in six starts.

Much will depend on the quality of possession and I believe that The Otter pack could just sway the verdict, with skipper Richie Rees, Tom Powell, Alex Jenkins and Co likely to be good ball winners alongside the strong set-piece stuff from their front row. Nick Gale could also play a key role with his place-kicking skills.

Verdict: On paper it could go either way but if The Otters can provide a performance like they did against Cardiff Met then they will claim a fifth scalp!



Photo - Richard Rees - key back row role for Narberth skipper


 

Division One (West):

 

Aberystwyth v Whitland

These two teams have traditionally been fierce rivals since the days of the old Pembrokeshire League, when The Borderers used to infuriate Aber by making them play at Parc Dr Owen, which the visitors hated.

There is no less commitment today in this Division One (West) clash, where Whitland are fifth and Aber three places lower down the table, with the former club having won three and lost two, whilst the latter have a win and a draw from six starts.

Verdict: On paper it looks like a chance for Whitland to grab an away success, no mean feat in this tough section. But Aber are no pushovers, although I think Benny's Boys will just shade the verdict because they are doughty battlers, especially on the road!

 

Crymych v Llanelli Wanderers

This is a real chance for Crymych to make it three wins out of six as they play host at Parc Lloyd Thomas to bottom-of-the-table Llanelli Wanderers but canny coach Randall Williams will be eager that the Preseli Men are not over-confident, despite the fact that The Wanderers have just a draw alongside five defeats.

He will be aiming to get them highly motivated and firing on all cylinders from the outset and looking to use their pacy backs after his pace secure quality possession.

Verdict: There's many a slip between cup and lips, as the old cliche goes, but I can't see this as anything but a bonus-point win for Crymych!

 

Llangennech v Pembroke

This is a real tough hurdle for Pembroke to leap over because Llangennech are currently third in the table having won five matches from six fixtures and claiming lots of points with their attacking brand of rugby.

But The Scarlets need to fear no-one in this section if they play to their potential with anything like a strong squad, with Geraint Lewis always looking to match fire with fire as skipper Scott Powell, Toby Smith and Co revel in a running game and eager to climb up from seventh spot.

Verdict: I would love to see The Scarlets add a second win in six matches (one draw) but fear they might come unstuck here - and do well to grab an away bonus point.

 

Division Two (West):

 

Fishguard & Goodwick v Carmarthen Athletic


There is little to separate Fishguard & Goodwick and Carmarthen Athletic on the basis of previous form this campaign as The Seagulls lie seventh (two wins, a draw and two losses) whilst The Athletic are eighth (two wins and three defeats).

But The Seagulls are traditionally much stronger at The Moors, especially if they can claim an early score, and coaches Nathan and Steve Jenkins will be looking for Chris Shousha, Simon James, Gavin Walsh, Ben John, Ryan McVeigh and Co to get their attacks under way.

Verdict: Mark Jones has been in good kicking form with his left boot and if they can use their undoubted pack power I expect a home win here, possibly with a bonus point if they start with their best team!




Photo - Chris Shousha - leading Fishguard by example


 

 

Milford Haven v Tenby United

This could be the game of the day amongst Pembrokeshire clubs as Milford Haven take on an invigorated Tenby United at The Obs - or it could be a low-scoring, narrow result because the clubs are so well-matched and want an arm wrestle.

The Mariners will be up for this tussle on their home patch but this young Seasiders' side, assisted by a few old-timers like Luke Hansford, Harry Bolton and skipper Luke Dedman, are full of confidence as Harry Rossiter and Andrew Cooke are other key players.

Verdict: It could go either way but I think the greater experience of the home side, especially with try scorers like Dan Jenkins, Steve Martin and Sam Dolling, plus the kicking ability of James Trueman, could just see them through.



Photo - James Trueman - Milford need his place kicking points

 

Division Three (West) A:

 

Llangwm v St Davids

This traditionally basement battle sees St Davids journeying to Pill Parks having conceded a huge number of points from their successive run of six defeats that keeps them pinned to the bottom of the table - but still eager to grab a first win, as they have done at this venue sometimes previously against Llangwm.

The Wasps won their first match at home to Cardigan but since then have lost three on the trot from their only other league matches - but they will start as favourites here as Josh Hicks,  Lewis Murphy and Luke Hayman are all potential big points scorers alongside skipper Gethin Thomas, back in action after injury.

Verdict: The Saints are often good starters but run out of steam and on this occasion The Wasps will have too much fire-power for them and end up as clear winners.



Photo - Llangwm skipper Gethin Thomas makes a welcome return to action


 

Llanybydder v Haverfordwest

Haverfordwest are another side who have only played four league games as they make the long journey to Llanybydder, who have yet to fulfil their potential with only one victory from four starts.

They sit in 9th place as a result, with The Blues undefeated after three wins and a draw as they are currently fifth.

Verdict: Blues' coach Steve Barnett will be calling for an extra effort after they lost narrowly on the same ground against this opposition in the WRU Bowl Competition - and I think he would be mightily vexed if they don't gain a comfortable revenge verdict on Saturday!

 

Neyland v Laugharne

Neyland will be looking to make home advantage stick against Laugharne but The All Blacks will need to raise the tempo against a team lying in sixth place, but with three wins and a solitary defeat.

The All Blacks are just a place below The Laugharnees, having won two out of four fixtures, and coaches Graham Richards and Steve Evans will be looking for the start of a very settled side where skipper George Williams, his brother Ben and veteran Mark James can lead by example.

Verdict: Laugharne will know they've been in a battle but I expect them to travel home with a win as Mikey Williams, Tom Jameson and Owen Thomas will play key roles.



Photo - Tom Jameson - key player for Laugharne


 

Pembroke Dock Harlequins v Cardigan

The Quins lost their last match, at home to Aberaeron, but still sit proudly atop the table as reward for a 100% start from their opening four games.

Coach Neil Machin will want his squad to get back to winning ways and so will keynote players like Jack Price, Ben Hathaway and the Bradney brothers whilst Cardigan must be eager to recover from a slow start which sees them with tenth spot and only one win from five starts.

Verdict: The Cardis will be eager to snatch a surprise success at Bierspool but I can see just one result - a comfortable home victory!



Photo - Ben Hathaway - in good form for The Quins


 

Lampeter v Aberaeron

This is arguably the top clash in the division as second-placed Lampeter entertain third-placed Aberaeron.

They have identical records from five matches apiece, with four wins and a defeat, and are sure to feature in the run-in for the title next April if they can maintain their current form.

Verdict: I have been impressed by Aberaeron on the two occasions I have watched them this campaign and although they are playing away I expect them to snatch the verdict - although I have yet to see Lampeter and I expect they would be delighted to prove this old fogey wrong!

 

Tregaron v St Clears

It's the same with this clash because I have seen both teams once and feel that The Saints are stronger overall but Tregaron have a plus in home advantage. I know that St Clears' coach Gary Price will have targetted this match as one they should be looking for a bonus-point win from with players of the calibre of Shane Morgan, Dan Griffiths and Rhodri Jones

whilst Tregaron will look to use their forward power to withdraw the sting from their opponents' pacy backs.

Verdict: Fourth-placed Saints have lost twice in six starts and had a draw at Haverfordwest so they can ill-afford another set-back if they want a strong push at the top end of this particular pile!



Photo - Shane Morgan - in try-scoring form for St Clears