FOLLOWERS of relegation-threatened Newcastle Emlyn of the Swalec Championship, League 1 West strugglers Crymych and League 3 West A title challengers Cardigan are hoping their favourites pick up vital points early in the New Year.

The Red and Whites face four tough league encounters next month that are likely to have a significant effect on whether they avoid the drop back into League 1 West after one season in the higher grade.

The New Year assignments start on Saturday when sixth in the table Beddau visit Ddol Wyber for the first time.

When the rivals met in Rhondda Cynon Taf back in September Emlyn went down 46-15 and it goes without saying that it will require a big effort to avenge the defeat.

A week on Saturday the Teifisiders take a break from the league in round one of the Swalec Cup when Alex Williams and colleagues visit Abernant Park to take on Glynneath who are also finding it tough going in the Championship.

The following weekend and it is back to the bread and butter stuff when Emlyn make the long journey to Colwyn Bay and go head-to-head with fourth-placed RGC 1404. And here again Emlyn will have to overturn a defeat earlier in the campaign when the north Walians sprang a 28-16 win in the Teifi Valley.

On January 23, the Teifisiders host Cardiff Met currently two places and eight points above them in the table.

Emlyn could target this clash as a winnable game despite losing the corresponding game in the capital 34-17 in October.

Williams and co end the month with the daunting task of taking on Pontypool at the 8,800 capacity Pontypool Park.

When the rivals met at Ddol Wyber on October 17 it proved to be a bit of a stroll for Pooler who won 40-19 and the south Walians are sure to be confident of completing the double.

Four league games in January could also go a long way to defining Crymych’s season with favourable results staving off the threat of relegation.

The Preselimen turn their attention to the Swalec Plate tomorrow (Wednesday) when visiting village club Bedlinog in south-east Wales.

The Taff Bargoed Valley side are currently fourth in League 1 East and with home advantage can be rated favourites to book their passage. The winners of the tie are away against Porth Harlequins in round three on January 16.

On Saturday the north Pembrokeshire villagers return to League 1 West action at Gorseinon where they will attempt to complete a double having emerged 32-12 winners at Parc Lloyd Thomas in September.

Also in September the Preselimen won 20-15 against Tenby at Heywood Lane and will be fancied to double up at home a week on Saturday.

A demanding assignment awaits Crymych on January 23 with a visit to second in the table Dunvant who came out on top 27-9 in the corresponding game in October.

The game against Llanelli Wanderers at home on the last Saturday of the month is one Crymych coaches are likely to target. When the rivals clashed in October the Preselimen put up a spirited performance despite losing 36-27.

Cardigan are away against Burry Port of League 3 West B in round three of the Swalec Bowl this weekend with the winners at home against Cowbridge in round four a fortnight on Saturday.

If the Cardis are defeated at Burry Port and Haverfordwest go down away against Cardiff Medicals in the same competition a week on Saturday then the local rivals will meet in a League 3 West A encounter at Plascrug on January 16 – Cardigan won the corresponding game 23-22 at King George V Playing Field on October 10.

Llyr Griffiths and team-mates will be expected to spring a bonus point win at home against bottom of the pile Llangwm a week on Saturday and will be out to avenge a 22-20 defeat at St Clears in October when Saints come calling on the last Saturday of the month.