Scarlets meet Wizards for final place

TWO sides in a rich vein of form clash at Parc y Scarlets this Saturday with the reward for the winner a showdown against Pontypridd for the Welsh Premiership crown.

Defending champions Llanelli host Aberavon in the semi-final of the end-of-season play-offs, a couple of wins away from repeating the feat of last year when they beat Neath and Pontypridd to lift the trophy at Sardis Road.

Each side goes into the game on the back of six straight successes while Llanelli edged the previous meetings between the clubs so far this season, winning at home in the league and away in the British & Irish Cup.

Saturday will also be a special occasion for Llanelli captain Adam Powell who plays his 200^th match for the club.

But the Wizards won’t be in the mood for sentiments come game time and head coach Simon King reckons his team cannot be taken lightly given their record this term.

“From my perspective, our team’s performances this season should not be underestimated,” he said. “To have the best win/loss ratio in the most competitive Premiership to date is an indication of all the hard work, effort and commitment that has been put in by the players, coaches, management and supporters.

“There are other clubs with much greater resources who couldn’t match us in terms of the outstanding commitment to the club and each other.

“We continue to improve and the number of quality young players coming through our ranks is an indication that our environment is helping to foster the next generation of talented Welsh players.

“Most of the Ospreys rising stars have played for the Wizards – such as Tipuric, Beck, King, Bevington, Webb – and I think we should celebrate the fact that we are doing things right.

“We will be busy recruiting talent, whilst making the most of the hard core Wizards through players such as Morris, Moore, Davies, Thomas, Howells and Edwards, who all make Aberavon such a special place to be.”

At this stage 12 months ago, Llanelli thumped Neath 46-5 at the Gnoll before going on to defeat Pontypridd 24-18 at the ‘House of Pain’ after the hosts had finished the campaign, as they have this one, at the top of the table.