Rugby forecasts for Saturday, 5th January
Bruce is back in action after returning to France
Isn't it great to see a full programme of rugby up and running again after all the recent disruption?
Let's hope we can get all the matches played so that players can get the feel of the ball again and clubs can begin to bring in a little much-needed revenue!
After spending some time in Milford Haven over Christmas it's now back to France, where we hope to get a bit more sun. So a happy new year to all rugby players, officials and supporters.
Bruce Evans
Championship:
Whitland are bottom of the table at the moment as they entertain the students of Cardiff Met, who are currently fifth and trying to play their usual brand of running rugby, whilst the match of the day is at Newbridge, who are third and taking on fourth-placed Narberth.
The Borderers lost 26-10 in Cardiff whilst Newbridge won at Narberth in a 31-30 thriller – and I would be happy if we somehow pick up a win at Newbridge from these return matches!
Division Two (West):
Our two teams in this section also face tough away tussles in Mid Glamorgan. Crymych (sixth) travel to seventh-placed Maesteg (who won 47-28 at Parc Lloyd Thomas). Neighbours Maesteg Quins are fourth, and entertain basement battlers Haverfordwest, having triumphed by 51-24 in the previous match at Merlins Bridge. I envisage two home wins but perhaps our local sides could save a few bob by sharing a bus!
Division Three (West):
Tenby United are currently third in Division Three (West) and play host to a Llanelli Wanderers' side which is two places below them. The Wanderers won by 26-19 at home but I expect the Seasiders to reverse that result here!
Milford Haven sit in eighth place and will be eager to avenge a 58-31 reverse at Newcastle Emlyn earlier in the campaign. Emlyn are seeking promotion as they are second in the table – but much will depend on the strength of the Mariners at this time of year. I have to go for an away win and an Emlyn double against my old mates at The Obs!
The banker bet should be at Amman United, who entertain lowly Cardigan, just one place off the foot of the table and already having lost 34-3 to the same opposition at home. It's a home win here for me without any hesitation.
Division Four (West):
Fishguard & Goodwick are just off the promotion pace in fifth spot but a home win against Aberaeron would do them no harm at all. Aberaeron are five places below the Seagulls, who won by 20-13 in Mid Wales on the opening day of the season – and Fishguard should complete a deserved double here!
Neyland are eager for victory against seventh-placed Betws after losing their previous match by 33-10. I would love to choose the All Blacks but believe that Betws might just be too strong!
Division Five (West):
Pembroke Dock Quins will entertain near neighbours and deadly rivals Pembroke (currently fifth) at Bierspool in what should prove to be a real battle of a local derby as the Quins look to repeat their win at Crickmarren, when they edged home 22-18. The Quins are now fifth in the section table and I think they will claim the local bragging rights with a double over the Scarlets!
Llangwm are 11th in the table as they entertain a Bynea team which is three places ahead of them but lost at St Davids in their previous match. The Wasps should use home advantage to grab a much-needed win at Pill Parks!