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Rugby Preview
Fixtures for 9th January 2010
Another programme of games completely wiped out last Saturday because of the weather so let’s hope that Pembrokeshire’s rugby clubs can get up and running again this Saturday in a full programme of games. Good luck to them all!
Division One (West):
Bonymaen v Narberth
Bonymaen entertain Narberth hoping for the double over the Otters since they won at the Lewis Lloyd ground by 14-10 near the start of the season. Verdict: Narberth are beginning to find their form and should go very close here – although I think ‘Bony’ will edge it!
Whitland v Cwmllynfell
Cwmllynfell are currently bottom of the table with just two wins from nine starts, and Whitland won the corresponding match by 32-16. Verdict: This should be plain sailing for the Borderers if they play at their best, perhaps with a bonus point, too!
Division Three (West):
Cardigan v Morriston
Cardigan lost by 28-24 when the teams met in Morriston but have played well since and will be looking for another win to push them higher than their current fifth place. Verdict: The Teifisiders to gain the verdict against their eighth-placed opposition.Haverfordwest v Lampeter Town
Haverfordwest’s coaches and players will undoubtedly have targeted this match against Lampeter Town as a ‘must win’ tussle because the Blues are now tenth whilst Lampeter are one position below them. Verdict: The Blues to win, especially with home advantage, and avenge a 27-12 loss in Lampeter.Penclawdd v Crymych
Crymych beat Penclawdd 15-8 at home but know the ‘Cocklemen’ are a different proposition with home advantage so they will have to raise their game another notch. Verdict: Penclawdd are ninth placed in the table, with four wins and five defeats – so the Preseli Men should pick up their eighth win in ten games and move into the top three.
Division Four (West):
Amman United v Pembroke Dock Quins
Amman United are currently sixth but have only won one more match than Pembroke Dock Quins, who are in 11th place, but are looking for a double over the Quins since they have already won 41-6 at Bierspool. Verdict: I hope the Quins win but I think it will be a double for Amman United.Milford Haven v Hendy
Milford Haven have a score to settle because Hendy inflicted one of only two defeats on the Mariners as they won 12-6 at home. Verdict: The Mariners should win this fixture with something in hand as long as they don’t get drawn into a forward slog with the opposition – because the home backs are better by far.
Pembroke v Pontarddulais
Pembroke entertain Pontarddulais looking to improve on their seventh place against opponents who are fourth with six victories and two defeats. Verdict: The Bont won 37-6 at home but the Scarlets are a different proposition at Crickmarren so I’ll plump for a Scarlets’ win.Tumble v Tenby United
Tumble sit proudly atop the section table with only one defeat in nine matches and already have a 41-8 success at Heywood Lane so they are hot favourites for the double. Verdict: The Seasiders have improved no end over recent games and I think they can cause a bit of an upset here if they are at full strength!
Division Five (West):
Bynea v Neyland
Neyland travel to Bynea as promotion candidates and with a 55-6 home win tucked neatly under their belts and should be far too strong for a home side in ninth place and with just three wins all campaign. Verdict: A clear-cut All Blacks’ win – no doubt about it!
Fishguard v St Davids
A local derby where neither side will give an inch as they battle it out for the Seagulls’ Cup. Fishguard will want to kick-start their quest for promotion again whilst the Saints have had some good results of late. Verdict: Fishguard won 50-7 in St Davids and although the Saints will try and push the Seagulls all the way it should be another win for Fishguard.Penygroes v Llangwm
Penygroes won 26-17 in Llangwm and will be eager for a win over the Wasps which will keep them on the fringes of the promotion hunt. Verdict: Llangwm are not the best of travellers and I tip the home side to complete the double – but if the Wasps’ forwards buzz, as they did against Haverfordwest, they might cause a shock!
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