Thursday 20 September 2012

Championship predictions week 4


Bargoed v Bridgend Athletic
Top of the table Bargoed have been in imperious form so far this season, racking up 18 tries in their three consecutive wins. Last season’s One East runner’s up welcome Bridgend Athletic to Bargoed Park, with the Newbridge Field outfit having a mixed start to the season. Bargoed have looked big and powerful up front, while the backs have shown a cutting edge and I think a big home victory will be inevitable as a result.
Verdict - Bargoed by 20 points
Beddau v Cardiff Met
Beddau have had a solid start to the season winning two out three, including an opening day fight back against Pontypool, as well as giving Bargoed a fight at Mount Pleasant Park a couple of weeks ago. The students have also impressed, especially in their 50+ point showing against Bonymaen, and the Cyncoed unit will only get stronger with the next batch of ‘Freshers’ waiting to impress in the coming weeks. I think Saturday’s match will definitely be a closely fought contest and I think with home advantage, Beddau may just pinch it.
Verdict - Beddau by 3 points
Blackwood v Narberth
This showdown sees both teams coming into the match with something to prove to themselves after each side lost their matches by a solitary point. Narberth will still be kicking themselves after letting a 24-0 half time home lead slip last weekend against Newbridge; Blackwood on the other hand will still be hurting from their loss at Glamorgan Wanderers. With both sides looking to make amends, it could be a feisty encounter but I think the Otters will have too much fire power for their hosts.
Verdict - Narberth by 10 points
Bonymaen v Glamorgan Wanderers
Bony will be breathing a sigh of relief on Saturday as, after three weeks on the road, they finally get to host their first Championship match.  Following their dramatic final minute loss to Llanharan last week, they’ll be determined to get back to winning ways that has eluded them since the opening day of the season. Glamorgan Wanderers, who were pummelled and pounded in the opening two rounds, fought back last week to record their first victory and will be desperate to build some momentum.
Verdict - Bonymaen by 6 points
Ebbw Vale v Pontypool
The Steelmen are the top scorers in the league so far running in 21 tries in just three matches, although they did fail to pick up a try bonus at Tata Steel last weekend. Last season’s One East title winners once again are pulverizing the opposition into submission and look to be everyone’s favourites to pick up the Championship crown, even at this early stage. Pontypool on the other hand have unsurprisingly struggled, leaking 17 tries so far. This match has one way traffic written all over it.
Verdict - Ebbw Vale by 40 points
Newbridge v Tata Steel
So far this season, the East clubs have had the better of the West but I’m sure Tata Steel will travel to Caerphilly determined to lay a marker down for their region after being convincingly snuffled out by Ebbw Vale last week. Newbridge will still be on a high after they came back from the dead against Narberth and this confidence could be crucial in this evenly matched encounter.
Verdict - Newbridge by 3 points
Whitland v Llanharan
The Borderers currently sit bottom of the table and what's worrying for the West Walians is that they have only managed three tries in as many matches, yet conceded over ten. The Dairymen have produced strong performances so far and will be eyeing up their third win here.
Verdict - Llanharan by 7 points

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