Welsh National Cup First Round:
Ebbw Vale v Narberth
Otters likely to make an early exit
After a cracking away win at Tata Steel in the first match of the campaign The Otters have to take an even bigger step forward this Saturday as they travel to Ebbw Vale to take on 'The Steelmen' in the first round of the Welsh National Cup
Once revered at the top level, especially for their forward power, Ebbw now find themselves in the competition in the Welsh Premiership as hosts here, having lost last weekend at their Eugene Cross Park by 23-29 to Newport.
Verdict: The Otters will go as real underdogs for this fixture and Sean Gale will ask his squad for a massive effort but I'm pretty sure he won't be too upset in defeat because he will want to focus on a very tough section The Otters are currently playing in.
Division One:
Pembroke v Whitland
Scarlets by a whisker
Now this must go down as the toughest match of the day to tip as Whitland travel to Crickmarren to take on Pembroke having won their opening match, against Gowerton, by 22-16 at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn.
The Borderers are very experienced and No 10 Nico Setaro will play a pivotal role alongside skipper Marc Smith, Jonathan and Josh Thomas, plus a powerful pack.
The Scarlets drew 25-all in Aberystwyth and coach Geraint Lewis was understandably pleased with a point in their first match at this level, but will be looking for a home win here as Toby Smith, skipper Scott Powell and the rest are up for some action!
Verdict: It's sure to be mighty close and I know some Borderers' fans will pillory me for going against the men in green and white but home advantage could play a big part so I go for The Scarlets, with a bonus point for the visitors!
Hendy v Crymych
Preseli Men to power to a tight away win
Another one tough to predict so early in the campaign after Crymych beat Llangennech 31-21 and Hendy lost 34-19 in a titanic clash at Felinfoel.
The Preseli Men again have home advantage but they know that anything short of a top performance at the Lloyd Thomas Memorial Ground would be upsetting. Tough as teak coach Randall Williams will push his squad to the limit and will have a nice mixture of youth and experience in his lineup.
Verdict: I'll go with The Preseli Men and hope that the likes of Lawrence Headlam and Daf Phillips will be in form, plus Adam Phillips with the boot!
Division Two (West):
Fishguard v Milford Haven
Too tight to call but I’ve gone for The Seagulls!
Fishguard beat Kidwelly on the road by 24-15 with tries from Mark Jones, Ben John and Rhys Evans to get The Seagulls off to a flying start (no pun intended!) and now they entertain a Milford Haven side which won 38-24 against Pontarddulais at The Obs, with Aaron Ebsworth leading the way with a try brace alongside Sam Dolling, Dan Jenkins and a penalty try
Perhaps ‘entertain’ is the wrong word because both teams will be eager for bragging rights between local clubs in this section and one prediction I can safely make is that there will be no quarter asked for or given!
Verdict: I am desperate to sit on the fence here, with the Fishguard pack aiming to quell their opposition and stop The Mariners’ pacy backs taking over – and I think they might do that at The Moors!
Tenby United v Kidwelly
Seasiders to stand up and be counted!
Both these sides are seeking a first success of the campaign after The Seasiders looked out of sorts in a 20-10 defeat at a useful Nantgaredig outfit, whilst Kidwelly lost at home to Fishguard.
Tenby coach Jonathan Evans is a canny lad and knows his team needs a boost of confidence to get them going in terms of self-belief.
Verdict: The Seasiders can make their seasonal win debut at Heywood Lane if they show what they are made of – and I think they will do just that!
Division Three (West) A:
Haverfordwest v Llangwm
The Blues to make a winning start
Haverfordwest were without a game last week whilst Llangwm battled their way to victory against Cardigan at Pill Parks to get off to a winning start for the first time in almost 25 years – and will have benefitted from that match practice.
Blues’ doughty coach Steve Barnett says his squad is up for the challenge against the likes of Josh Hicks, Lewis Murphy, Luke Hayman and Adam Williams but knows that Hicks is a major factor in his getting off to a winning start.
Craig Barnett and co are also ready to face an early onslaught, especially around Hicks, James Lewis and Rhys Thomas in a lively Wasps’ back row.
Verdict: I quietly fancy The Wasps to cause an upset but my head says The Blues have the edge in experience so I’ll go for them – which will be music to the cauliflower ears of The Wasps!
Pembroke Dock Harlequins v Neyland
There is an air of optimism again at Bierspool and who can blame The Quins after tries by Ben Hathaway (2), Hywel Baker and Kieran Machin saw them win at Kidwelly under coaches Neil Machin and Ian Osbourne.
Kevin Bratcher is back as skipper and there is pace and power aplenty with quality players like Jack Price and Jordan Asparassa in midfield.
In sharp contrast, old rivals Neyland across the Cleddau Bridge after being unable to field a team for their KO Cup and league match but I’m reliable informed that they will be ready to take on The Quins under influential coaches Graham Richards and Steve Evans.
Verdict: Never under-estimate The All Blacks but I have to go with the home side here!
Cardigan v St Davids
Cardis look good to beat The Saints
Both these teams lost their opening encounters but Cardigan must start as hot favourites under Iwan Davies and Tudor Harries at The King George Vth Playing Fields, having lost 10-7 at Llangwm but having had chances to win.
The Saints found it hard going in their 7-74 loss to St Clears and will look to use their pack to keep pressure on The Cardis but their major problem is having a small squad so any injuries have a large impact.
Verdict: It has to be Cardigan to win here, with The Saints doing well to keep the final scoreline at reasonable levels.
Aberaeron v Llanybydder
Aber to win with home advantage
Aberaeron set out as one of the promotion favourites on pre-season form but they lost 23-30 at Laugharne so they will be looking to get back on the rails at home to Llanybydder, who could be dark horses but missed out last weekend when their match was postponed.
Aber have a powerful, experienced pack and some pacy backs so this will be a real tester for Llanybydder.
Verdict: Aberaeron to win, perhaps with a bonus point too!
St Clears v Laugharne
Saints look to gain revenge
This could prove to be the top game in the section as St Clears look to bounce back from relegation after losing to Laugharne late last season – so there could be some tough personal tussles as well.
St Clears gained their expected win at St Davids whilst Laugharne showed their all-round quality in victory over Aberaeron.
Verdict: It could be very close but my pocket money is on Laugharne!
Tregaron v Lampeter
Can home advantage pay off?
This is a match that is almost impossible to predict because although Lampeter lost at home their opponents Tregaron had their game postponed.
Verdict: I’ll go for a draw here!