With
the wet weather showing no sign of easing up, this weekend’s Principality
fixtures may turn into a bit of a mud fest. However, one place we’ll be sure of
some running rugby is at the Arm’s Park where second place Cardiff host
unbeaten leaders Carmarthen Quins in the match of the day on the pristine
plastic pitch.
Aberavon
v Llandovery
The
Wizards currently occupy bottom position and will be really hoping that the
home comforts of the Talbot Athletic Ground can spur them on to only their
second victory, but it will be a tough ask against the Drovers who have won
four of their six matches.
This
will only be Llandovery’s second match on the road this season but they looked
good in their victory over Newport last time out, winning at a canter. Despite
the gap between these sides in the league table, and in the form guide, I still
expect a competitive contest but I don’t think Simon King’s troops will get the
win they so desperately need.
Verdict-
Llandovery by 9 points
Cardiff
v Carmarthen Quins 6.30 kick off
The
top two clash in undoubtedly the match of the day at the later than usual time
of 6.30, with Cardiff hoping a number of Blues fans stick around to watch the
semi-professionals in action.
There
are a fair few similarities in the way these two teams play, with big ball
carriers taking the direct root before unleashing their potent backs, with each
side having crossed the whitewash no less than 22 times already this season -
only Llandovery have a better record.
Cardiff
have home advantage, but the Blue and Blacks know that if they put in a repeat
performance of their first half showing against Swansea last week they could
very well be out of the match come the interval. Quins will take a great deal
of confidence in the way they dispatched a dogged Bedwas at the Bridge Field
last week and I think the visitors will keep their winning record intact...just!
Verdict-
Carmarthen Quins by 3 points
Cross
Keys v Swansea
Keys
will be looking to complete an early season double over the Whites having
defeated them on the opening day of the season at St Helens. However, the Gwent
side only just squeaked past Mefin Davies’ troops that day and I envisage
another slogfest tomorrow.
Swansea
should have a host of talent available to them again after International
commitments, including Junior World Player of the year Sam Davies, while full
Welsh international Dan Baker may also get a start.
The
hosts did just enough to dispatch Bridgend last weekend but in my opinion they
will need to put in a better showing if they are to come away with the points
tomorrow.
Verdict-
Cross Keys by 6 points
Newport
v Bridgend
Newport’s
solitary win of the season came against Ospreylian opposition at Rodney Parade
and the home faithful will be hoping their team can once again produce the
goods. However, Sven Cronk’s side were woeful at Llandovery last weekend, while
Bridgend picked up a hard-fought point at Pandy Park. I don’t expect a feast of
running rugby here but both sides will feel a win is essential, and with the
teams in the lower echelons of the league already nervously anticipating a dog
fight for relegation, picking up points against their rivals at the bottom will
prove crucial.
This
is a tough one to call but, with home advantage, I think the Black and Ambers
should come out on top.
Verdict-
Newport by 3 points
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