The majority of the Championship sides haven’t seen any league action since the beginning of December and I feel this, coupled with the conditions, will result in some rusty and leggy players on display which may act as a leveller for some of the teams with momentum.
Bargoed v Pontypool
Bargoed had to work very hard for their narrow win at Bonymaen last time out, but the heavy conditions will play into the hands of their monstrous pack and I can’t really see much hope for Pontypool.
There is no doubt that Pooler are rebuilding and look stronger than they did at the start of the season, and with their financial trouble eased and no risk of relegation, hopefully their young team will get the experience they need to challenge next season.
Verdict - Bargoed by 25 points
Beddau v Bridgend Athletic
Both the Green and Golds and Athletic will be looking to build on last time out success, but that may count for little tomorrow with neither side having played in almost a month.
There are eight points separating the sides in the league, with Bridgend knowing a win would go a long way to easing their relegation worries. Beddau comfortably won their meeting at Newbridge Fields and with home advantage, I think it will be a similar story tomorrow.
Verdict - Beddau by 15 points
Blackwood v Glamorgan Wanderers
Wanderers head Coach, Matthew Bolton, has described this match as an “eight pointer if ever there was one,” with the Memorial Ground side knowing that if they are to survive in the Championship, these are the matches they are going to need to win
“It is games against teams that are around us in the division that will have a huge bearing on the outcome of our season,” commented Bolton.
Blackwood on the other hand, who sit three places and four points above the Wanderers, will want to do all they can to distance themselves from the relegation fight.
The Wanderers won the reverse back in September by a solitary point and I expect another scrap tomorrow.
Verdict - Wanderers by 2 points
Bonymaen v Llanharan
The Dairymen travel to Bonymaen in search of the double over the Swansea side, but will face a stern test from the fifth from bottom side who will be looking to build on their impressive display against Bargoed last time out.
Bony have picked up four wins so far in the campaign with three of them coming at home and they, too, will be hoping a win will aid their fight for survival.
The heavy ground will suit the big Llanharan pack but if Bony front up like they did against Bargoed, a close contest will be in store.
Verdict - Llanharan by 4 points
Ebbw Vale v Tata Steel
The clash of the Steelmen tomorrow is sure to be a bruising encounter with the heavy conditions possibly favouring Tata. Ebbw had the better of their rivals when they met back in September in Port Talbot but I expect a closer contest tomorrow.
Tata have scored over 100 points in their last two matches, admittedly against opposition confined to the relegation roulette, but they will undoubtedly pose a threat to Jason Strange’s men. However, Eugene Cross Park has been a fortress for Ebbw once again this year and I think they will record another ‘W’ tomorrow.
Verdict - Ebbw Vale by 10 points
Newbridge v Narberth
Their last encounter was separated by a solitary point, with the Otters wondering where it all went wrong after leading 24-0 at the break but still conspired to lose the match even though they had a kick at the death to clinch the win.
Narberth will be hoping for a similar performance to the one they gave in that first half back in September as they look to move up to third for the first time this season.
Newbridge ended their run of three losses last time out and will be eager to start off 2013 the right way and if Neil Burnett has his kicking boots on, they should do just that.
Verdict - Newbridge by 3 points
Whitland v Cardiff Met
There is still some doubt whether this match will go ahead with Whitland’s ground not holding up well under the onslaught of rain.
The Borderers continue to prop up the table and have been unable to build on their impressive victory over Ebbw Vale that now seems an aeon ago.
For me, Cardiff Met have been the team of the season and a win tomorrow should see them move up to fourth.
Verdict - Cardiff Met by 15 points.
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