The students will be high in confidence after their last minute win at Beddau last week but Bargoed will prove a much tougher test for the Cyncoed outfit. The visitors, who currently sit atop the Championship on maximum points, will relish a chance to keep up their impressive start to the season. With both sides keen to play expansive rugby, it should be an enthralling clash for spectators but I think the Blues will be too strong up front for the students and will win comfortably.
Verdict - Bargoed by 10 points
Ebbw Vale v Newbridge
Undoubtedly the clash of the day sees two undefeated sides line up against each other at Eugene Cross Park. Both teams have continued their fine form from last season, with the Steelmen looking to claim back to back titles after winning last year's Division One East crown. Newbridge bagged the double over Ebbw Vale last year - both in low scoring matches - but my money is on the hosts tomorrow. Incidentally, Wales’ top official Nigel Owens will be refereeing the game, with the WRU perhaps recognising what a crucial match it might be come the end of the season.
Verdict – Ebbw Vale by 3 points
Ebbw Vale:Charlie Simpson, Wes Cunliffe, Josh Lewis, Polu Uhi, Tom Ashmead; Dan Haymond, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams (c), Robert Sevenoaks; Rhys Clarke, Ashley Sweet; Cameron Reagan, Ronny Kynes, Spencer Gibson. Reps: Josh Powell, Jonny Bowen, Joe Bartlett, Josh Davies, Will Owen.
Newbridge :Ceri Young, Gareth Jones, Matthew Edwards, Steffan Morgan, Jonny Morris; Neil Burnett, Mark Addis; Geoff Lewin, Rhys Price (c), Geraint Weaver; Sam Wahdan, Geraint Thomas; Josh Skinner, Craig Hill, Luke Probert. Reps: Dan Evans, Darren Hughes, Andrew Coupe, Tom Edwards, Bevan Howells.
Glamorgan Wanderers v Whitland
The Wanderers were unlucky to lose at Bonymaen last week and won last time out at the Memorial Ground against Blackwood, and have also looked to steadily improve since the first day of the season. Whitland on the other hand are still struggling to establish themselves and along with Pontypool, are the only team not to pick up a win; the Borderers are creating plenty of chances but seem to lack the clinical edge sides need to thrive in this league. This will be a close contest but I think Whitland may just sneak their first win of the season here.
Verdict – Whitland by 3 points
Glamorgan Wanderers: Mike
Stephens, Owen Marshall, Charlie Johnson, Lloyd Chalke,Ed Doe, Owen Thomas,
Luke O’Brien ,Rhys Jenkins,Peter Lloyd, Tom Crosse, Alex Luff (c), Josh Jacas,Garrick
Armstrong ,Andrew Bradbury, Dan Crimmins. Reps: Haval Ibrahim, Gruff Roberts,
Stuart Worrell, Ianto Griffiths, Joe O’Sullivan.
Whitland-TBA
Llanharan v Beddau
The Dairymen have had a good start to the season winning their last three matches, and now welcome neighbours Beddau to the Dairyfield tomorrow with the hosts determined to maintain their solid start to the season. Beddau have also impressed so far and despite their last minute heart break against Cardiff Met last week, the visitors will be confident they can get a result. However, I think Llanharan will be too strong for their guests tomorrow, although Beddau may bag a losing bonus point.
Verdict - Llanharan by 6 points
Llanharan: Sion Summers,
Richard Read, Ryan Evans, Harley Thomson, Morgan Williams,Codey Rees, Tom
Marley, James Greenfield, Nathan Huish (C) , Tom Piper, Bill Carey, Justin
Benfield, Huw Thomas, Callum Thomas, Lewis Young. Reps: Rhys Cleverly, Gavin
Hole, Aandrew Rosen, Scott Malone, Ross Pritchard.
Beddau: Tom
Benjamin, Ben Cullen, Tom Pascoe, Adam Williams, Chris Roberts, Ben White, Dan
Fox, Owen Cottam, Matt Hunt, Callum Lewis, Graham Hart, James Cashin, Robert
Jones, Luke Crocker, Robert Downes (c). Reps: Jon Elley, Bradley Thyre, Tommy
Guy, Dan Salter, Joe Casella.
Narberth v Bonymaen
The Otters haven’t had the start to the season they were probably hoping for, suffering a heavy loss to Ebbw Vale and a second half capitulation against Newbridge, but I don’t predict any slip ups tomorrow. Bonymaen, who currently sit just one point off their hosts, haven’t really set the league alight so far and I think Narberth will be too strong at home.
Verdict - Narberth by ten points
Pontypool v Bridgend Athletic
Pooler were crushed last week against Ebbw Vale but they will take heart in the fact that they started well, and they certainly won’t be the last side to concede 50 points to the Steelmen. The ex Premiership outfit will be desperate to bag their opening win at home and I think they stand a very good chance when they host Bridgend Athletic tomorrow. Athletic have won just one of their opening four matches and they also come into the match on the back of a crushing defeat: the question is which side will be able to impose themselves best?
Verdict - Pontypool by three points
Tata Steel v Blackwood
The reigning One West champions currently languish in tenth with six points and just one victory under their belts. The Margam outfit will be disappointed to have lost out to three of their big rivals already this season and will be desperate to start putting a run of results together. Blackwood have been unlucky to lose their last two matches and arguably should have won both, and they will certainly present a stern test tomorrow. However, I feel Tata Steel will return to winning ways.
Verdict - Tata Steel by eight points
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