Friday 26 April 2013

Principality Premiership Final Weekend Predictions

Aberavon v Bridgend

Neither of these Ospreylian rivals have had seasons to write home about and ultimately, only pride is at stake with Aberavon and Bridgend sitting third and second from bottom respectively.
The Ravens came out on top 14-9 in the reverse of this fixture and I expect another close match tomorrow. But with the conditions looking good, hopefully it will be a good spectacle for the supporter with plenty of tries.
The Wizards were well beaten mid week at Llandovery but I expect a much stronger display from them as they look to go out on a high in front of their home fans. Bridgend have delayed naming their team till this evening after having a number of players involved in Welsh Varsity, Coach Ben Rose may be mindful a few may have had a couple of celebratory beverages.
Verdict - Aberavon by 6 points
 Bedwas v Llandovery
This could be a winner takes all showdown with regards to bagging a play-off place, but it is also feasible that come 4.10 tomorrow that both sides would have clinched a top three place. Looking at all the different permutations is one headache I'd rather not have, so I’m just going to stick to making match predictions.
Bedwas have been the surprise package this year having exceeded all expectations - and the romanticist in me would like them to clinch a play-off spot as a result - but the Bridge Field outfit have stuttered in the closing weeks. If they do miss out on a play-off spot I think they will look back on their late loss at the Brewery Field against Bridgend as where it went wrong for them.
 There was nothing to separate the sides when they met in the reverse of this fixture at Church Bank, but when they clashed in the Cup at the Bridge Field, the hosts were the victors.
 The Gwent side will again have home advantage tomorrow but will face a Drovers side full of confidence after putting Aberavon to the sword in mid-week.
If we look back to the beginning of the season, Llandovery had a scintillating start and seem to shine in the sun and they too would be good value for a play-off spot. Their late surge has been exceptional and have come from nowhere in the past few weeks to be in the driving seat to claim a top three spot.
Ultimately, it will be a Cup final for both these sides tomorrow and it will come down to who deals with the pressure better. I think it will be close, and even though Bedwas have home advantage, Llandovery seem to come alive in the haze of the sun and I think the conditions will just suit them the better tomorrow.
Verdict - Llandovery by 3 points
 Cross Keys v Carmarthen Quins
Cross Keys fans may well be thinking what may have been tomorrow. The Gwent side have had a solid campaign but all too often, indiscipline has cost them a play-off place.
There is only really pride at stake for these two sides tomorrow but I think the supporters should be in for an entertaining clash with both teams determined to end the season on a high, and with good running rugby conditions it will hopefully be a try-fest.
Verdict - Cross Keys by 5 points
 Neath v Cardiff
Neath went through the doldrums this season and have emerged the other side, bagging a Cup final appearance as well as having seen a significant uptake on their league form.
If Patrick Horgan’s men claim the win tomorrow, they could leapfrog their visitors Cardiff in the league and give themselves a shot of confidence before their Millennium showdown next week.
Cardiff will also be looking to end the season on a high and could leapfrog Newport into seventh with a victory.
However, with home advantage and a vocal crowd behind them, I think Neath will come through on the right side of the scoreline.
Verdict - Neath by 7 points
 Pontypridd v Llanelli
Ponty clinched top spot a while ago, while Llanelli need to inflict Ponty’s first home defeat of the season if they are too make sure of a play-off spot.
The hosts have named a fairly strong side for the occasion with a few players given an opportunity to perhaps put their hand up for a Cup final starting berth. I think Dale McIntosh’s men will claim the win tomorrow and Llanelli will have to sweat on the result at Bedwas to see if they are to claim a top three spot.
Verdict - Pontypridd by 7 points

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