Swalec Cup
Pontypridd v Cross
Keys 5.25 pm
Pontypridd will be
hoping to retain the trophy they won 12 months ago and will undoubtedly start
as favourites, but, just as in 2012, the Gwent opponents pose a very real
threat. The sides are tied at one game all in the head to head in the league
this year and I think it could go either way on Sunday.
Paul John’s side will
be keen to get over the heartbreak of their agonising loss on try count to
Leinster A last weekend and what better way than to claim the Swalec Cup?
Everyone has been
talking about Ponty as potentially doing the double but if Keys can stun the
defending Champions on Sunday their odds of themselves claiming a league and
cup double will be slashed.
Both teams have formidable
packs and although neither side have ended their league campaigns in less than
sparkling form, there could be fireworks on Sunday.
Verdict-Pontypridd by
7 points
Swalec Plate final 3.15pm
Merthyr v Rhiwbina
Both teams are in the
hunt for a double after securing their respective leagues in the last week. The
Ironmen obliterated One West Champions Glynneath in the last round and you
would have to be a brave person to bet against Lee Jarvis’ troops coming away
with the title on Sunday.
However, Rhiwbina have
shown they can live with first division sides having beaten several on the way
to the final.
Merthyr have been
running in the tries for fun of late but, in securing the One East crown last
Saturday, looked a tad nervy as they edged past Bedlinog. The Squirrels had no
such problem mid-week when they eased to the Two East title as they thumped
Tredegar and I believe the distraction of that match will have helped the
Cardiff side's preparation.
Ultimately, I can’t
look beyond a Merthyr victory but I think it will be closer than a lot of
people are predicting.
Verdict-Merthyr by 9
points
Swalec Bowl final
Clwb Rygbi Cymry
Caerdydd v Llantwit Major 1.00pm
Clwb will start as
slight favourites, having won the two league encounters this year, and after
losing out to St Joseph's in the league, Gareth Williams’ troops will be eager
to pick up some silverware.
Only
a few seasons ago Clwb were still classed as a District side in Division Six
South Central, along with the likes of Wattstown, whose winning performance
from last season they will be hoping to replicate.
However, Major will be
determined to stop them and commemorate their 125th Anniversary
year in style. They have proved to be a great Cup side so far this season and
they will be hoping for a bit more magic when they take to the field Sunday
lunchtime.
Fairytale is banded
about quite frequently in sport but, for either of these sides, a win on Sunday
would be just that. I know Clwb have beaten Major twice already this season but
I’m not sure it will count for much on Sunday.
Verdict-
Llantwit Major by 3 points
0 comments:
Post a Comment