Bruce Evans' Rugby Review
Saturday 26th January, 2013.
Another weather-affected weekend means that some teams are now playing only their fourth match in three months, and then the home internationals kick in. Only three matches were played last weekend: Neyland lost to Nantgaredig and Pembroke beat Llangwm away, as I forecast, whilst St Davids picked up a valuable point against a rapidly improving Pontyates side.
This Weekend's Matches:
Division Two (West):
In the only Pembs' interest match, with Crymych playing a Plate match, Haverfordwest entertain Maesteg. Three weeks ago this would have been very tough to call because Maesteg have stumbled after a good start to the season, but now Haverfordwest are the form team with two wins from the last two, and Maesteg haven't won since October. So it must be a win for the Blues but they need it because Taibach have turned the corner too! (Editor's Note: Maesteg are the home side young Bruce!)
Division Three (West):
Cardigan have a tough match as they entertain Gorseinon, who are on a good run and have moved into third place. It may be close but I forecast an away win.
Tenby (in fourth) welcome Tumble (in seventh) and are seeking their first win since the beginning of November. Tumble have had some decent results in the last couple of months but this has to be a Tenby win on their home patch, although it may be too late to get back into the promotion places.
The third local interest match is at the Observatory between eighth-placed Milford Haven and Pontarddulais, who are sixth. When they met away in October, Milford still had the confidence of promotion behind them and fell to a 36-29 defeat, but the Bont have stayed in a comfortable mid table position whilst Milford have lost form, confidence and, it seems, players. Milford need another two or three wins only to stay up but I don't think this will be one of them. So I'll go for a Pontarddulais win.
Division Four (West):
Neyland travel to Tycroes who sit on top of their league. I hope Neyland travel with a strong side and gain the respect of their opponents. But it looks like another win for Tycroes.
Division Five (West):
The results last week have suddenly left the Wasps adrift at the bottom of this league as Pontyates and St Davids have both pulled clear. This week Llangwm could do themselves a power of good by travelling with their strongest team to Pontyates and bringing back the points. But I don't think this will happen so a home wins.
St Davids' match against New Dock Stars has been postponed because the Stars have a Swalec match.
St Clears travel to Pembroke and I think the Scarlets will win this one with ease!
Swalec Cup Round One:
Our top clubs have vastly different draws as Whitland welcome Aberavon, who lie near the bottom of the Premiership but will be looking for a confidence-building cup win, and will probably get it, given Whitland's form.
Narberth have a home draw versus Carmarthen Quins, who are mid table in Division One (West) but beat the leaders Tondu last week. However, that confidence shouldn't be enough to overcome home advantage but it will be a tight match with no love lost. For me this will be an Otters' win. (Editor's Note for our man in France – the Quins are in the Premiership and we think might be too powerful for the Otters!)
Swalec Plate Round Three:
Crymych travel to Kidwelly, who lie in mid-table of Division One (West). This will be a good test for the Preseli Men and I think they'll challenge but I expect home advantage to give Kidwelly the edge.
Swalec Bowl Round Four:
Fishguard and Goodwick travel to Aberaeron. The Seagulls are on a great run and I expect them to progress at the Cardigan Bay home of their opponents.