FOR rugby fans in the Teifi Valley all roads lead to Ddol Wyber on the banks of the River Teifi on Saturday when Newcastle Emlyn of the Swalec Championship host semi-professional Ebbw Vale of the Principality Premiership.

Despite an army of Welsh fans visiting the Emerald Isle for the start of the 6 Nations Championship a bumper crowd is expected.

Over the years the Red and Whites have gained a reputation for playing attractive open rugby but whether the talented backs with fullback Shaun Leonard an elusive runner, can obtain sufficient possession remains to be seen.

The Emlyn pack with hooker Alex Williams leading by example will undoubtedly give everything against the Ebbw eight led by 34-year-old 6ft 4in lock Damien Hudd.

The Steelmen are strong in every position from fullback Dan Hayward to hooker Mathew Williams and are expected to try and lay a platform for victory up front.

It was 19 years ago this month when Ebbw made their only other visit to the Teifi Valley when victorious against Emlyn in the Welsh Cup.

Ebbw were then under the captaincy of Welsh International backrower Kingsley Jones and also in the team at Emlyn were Welsh team colleagues David Llewellyn at scrum-half, outside half Byron Hayward, No. 8 Mark Jones and hooker Andrew Lamerton while tight head prop Duncan Bell went on to be capped by England.

Recalling that occasion Ebbw chairman Jon Jones said: “The home club erected a marquee and we were given tremendous hospitality.

“We will not underestimate Newcastle Emlyn and we are expecting a stern test against the Championship side.

“A large number of our supporters are making the journey west and looking forward to a good day out,” he said.

Looking forward to the game Emlyn secretary Chris Jones, who was also at the cup tie 19 years ago, said: “Everyone in the area is looking forward to the game. We are obviously big underdogs but we will do the best we can and also give Ebbw Vale a warm welcome.”

Kick off on Saturday is 2.30pm.