Pembrokeshire Rugby Preview
by Bruce Evans
8th December 2012
Last time out, on 17 November, I got seven out of 10 right. Tenby lost narrowly at home to Newcastle Emlyn, my ex-Taskers' students gained an important victory away at St. Davids, and Milford lost at Pontyberem.
So let's see how we get on this weekend!
Swalec Championship:
Narberth are on a great run at the moment with something like six wins out of the last seven taking them into fourth spot, and their only defeat since September away at the league leaders. In November a close home win versus Llanharan was followed by a good midweek win against Beddau, and they're fortunate to have a third home match on the trot this Saturday versus Pontypool, who languish near the bottom of the league and are on a losing run. This has to be a home win for Narberth, and a good one.
Meanwhile, Whitland have failed to build on their great home win versus Ebbw Vale in October, but have not been helped by three consecutive away matches (with the home fixture versus Blackwood called off). This Saturday though they entertain Beddau at home. Beddau have lost four of their last five and I'm going to bet on Whitland getting another home win.
Division Two (West):
The match between Crymych and Maesteg Quins, with the Pembrokeshire side at home, is a tough one to call. Both teams lost last time out, but the Quins' tremendous early season form has slowed down and they are now in fourth place. It's a great chance for Crymych to cement their place in the top half of the league and I think home advantage will just give them the edge.
Division Three (West):
The big match is at Gorseinon, who lie in fourth spot, as they welcome Tenby who are one place ahead of them. Over the last three matches Tenby has the better record, but I get the impression that they haven't been playing as well of late. Gorseinon is a tough venue (from my experiences there with Haverfordwest and Milford) and I think it will be a home win, but I hope Tenby can get a bonus point.
Milford Haven entertain Amman United, who arrive with the best record in the league; eight wins and one defeat. Milford has played them quite a few times in recent years and will have to raise their game significantly to get something out of this one, especially in defence. I have to go for a win for the Amman!
Division 4 (West):
Both Fishguard and Neyland travel this weekend, but whereas The Seagulls should return from bottom-placed Burry Port with a win to keep them in the top six, I see little respite for Neyland who face an on-form Llanybydder. Fishguard will be looking to record a fourth consecutive win and leapfrog Nantgaredig, with a match in hand on fifth-placed Hendy. So I forecast an away win then for Fishguard and an away defeat for Neyland who must now target their home matches versus the bottom six if they are to avoid relegation.
Division Five (West):
I bumped into a Pembrokeshire committee man at the New Zealand game and discovered that there is relegation from this league this season. For any Pembrokeshire team to drop into Division Six (West) would raise huge questions of travel etc. Unfortunately Llangwm, and St Davids are in the mix, whilst at the other end of the division, Pembroke Dock Harlequins are pushing for promotion. They travel to eighth-placed Bynea with three consecutive wins in the bag. I hope that confidence is high and that they travel with a strong team to get the win I forecast.
Pembroke has stuttered of late but have a great chance to get their season back on track as they welcome sixth- placed Cefneithin. Despite the recent form of both sides I am going for a home win. This week I don't think Llangwm will prove me wrong; I'm going for a home win for Swansea Uplands who are challenging for promotion. The only all local match this week sees St Davids travel to St Clears, a difficult one to call as both have lost their last three. St Davids really needs a win to stay in touch so I'm going for a rare away win.
*Editor's Note:
Bruce also previewed Haverfordwest's 'match' against Tylorstown but the Rhondda valley side weren't eventually included in the section because there was too much travel for them so the Blues are without a fixture this Saturday.
You've been drinking too much of that red French vino again, young Bruce – but we'll forgive you!