Common-sense fixtures for clubs eager to catch up

Local rugby again suffered somewhat from Storm Jorge last Saturday and there are only four fixtures this weekend as local clubs sensibly try to catch up by playing matches before the England v Wales’ game – so well done that quartet of pro-active clubs!

Division Two (West):

Must-win match for The Seagulls

Fishguard & Goodwick v Loughor

Fishguard and Goodwick have dropped from the relative safety of mid-table to a precarious-looking 10^th place but one consolation is the fact that they have missed so many matches through the weather – as well as losing games that they had looked well-placed to win but surrendered vital late points.

So this home match with Loughor is a must win one despite the fact that the team known as ‘The Blues’ are a place below them and The Seagulls are eight points ahead with four games in hand – and victory here should put them safe and ready to climb back up the table.

Verdict: Loughor have only won three matches in 16 starts (against Milford Haven, Kidwelly and third-placed Tycroes) whilst Fishguard have gained four wins and a draw alongside seven losses.

It looks a clear-cut choice of a home win – but we hope the visitors to The Moors don’t bring too strong a team with support from permit players! Come on The Seagulls!

Division Three (West) A:

Aber to gain revenge for narrow defeat against The Blues?

Aberaeron v Haverfordwest
 

When these two teams met at Pembroke Road they managed to produce one of the top games I have seen in this section all season when The Blues beat the Ceredigion side who, like Fishguard, are nicknamed ‘The Seagulls’ because of their proximity to the waters of Cardigan Bay.

Aberaeron have a very talented squad which, had it not been for their reaching the last four of The WRU Bowl, might well have been one of the favourites for promotion and last weekend beat section leaders Lampeter Town by 12-10 to stay fifth with a playing record of nine wins and two draws from 14 games.

Verdict: Haverfordwest also have a very strong squad that won their previous encounter by 23-21 thanks to a strong finish and will travel up the coast to Parc Drefach seeking the double in a match that kicks off at 1.30pm.

It is likely to be a very close encounter of the rugby kind where I think home advantage will play a key role – unless Aberaeron have their minds tuned to their vital cup date against Fairwater!

Laugharne to keep their promotion hopes high

Laugharne v Cardigan

Laugharne entertain Cardigan with their hopes of promotion higher than they care to admit because coach Gary Price and the committee are eager to play down the fact that on current form they are my tip for the top, not that has ever helped others in the past!

Laugharne have won 10 and drawn one of 12 games; their only blip being a defeat at Haverfordwest when they didn’t look their best – but their caution is sensible though because they still have some vital tussles ahead.

But they have completed the double against second-placed St Clears but still have two games against Lampeter Town.

Verdict: The Laugharnees certainly seem to have their feet firmly planted on terra firma but they are very hot favourites against a Cardigan outfit that sits firmly in mid-table with seven wins and seven defeats so far.

Llanybydder seeking the double over The Wasps

Llanybydder v Llangwm

Llangwm make the long journey to Parc Teifi hoping to gain revenge for a 3-25 defeat when the teams met at Pill Parks and as usual will give 100% despite being the underdogs against a team three places above them.

The Wasps enjoyed a morale-boosting victory, and the double, over old rivals and great friends St Davids last weekend – whilst Llanybydder lost 32-9 at Haverfordwest but the final scoreline certainly didn’t do justice to their part in that game