RUGBY PREVIEW

After two defeats in their opening three Championship games Newcastle Emlyn will be looking to win for a second time on Saturday when visiting Trebanos.

The Swansea Valley villagers, promoted at the end of last season as League 1 West Central champions, started in the higher grade with a 28-0 win at Bedlinog, put up a gallant showing in their second outing when going down 27-24 at home against leaders Pontypridd and picked up a losing bonus point, and last weekend lost 34-20 at Skewen.

Emlyn coaches could be targeting the visit to Trebanos to pick up vital points in what is an extremely competitive league.

The Teifisiders were defeated 21-17 at Skewen first time out, beat Tata Steel 24-19 at home in their second game and lost 33-20 against Cardiff Met in the capital on Saturday.

Crymych also take on promoted rivals in League 1 West when visiting the Amman Valley for a clash with Tycroes who went up from League 2 West.

The rivals are joint bottom of the pile at this early stage and both are likely to view this encounter as a good chance of picking up vital points.

The league newcomers started the campaign with a 29-15 defeat at leaders Felinfoel, went down 46-24 at home against Llangennech next time out and put up a gallant showing on Saturday in losing 24-9 away against undefeated Dunvant.

Crymych were defeated 36-22 at Dunvant on the opening day, lost 15-3 at home against Aberystwyth in their second game while last weekend's home game against Gorseinon was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Cardigan will be hot favourites to bank a maximum five-point haul at the expense of St Davids in League 3 West A at King George V Playing Field.

Saints crashed 76-5 at Aberaeron on the first Saturday of the season but bounced back seven days later with a 17-12 win at home against Llangwm.

The Pembrokeshire side went down 36-5 away against League 3 West B outfit Llangadog on Saturday in round one of the National Bowl.

Emyr Harries and his Cardigan team-mates won 22-12 at home against Pembroke Dock Quins in their first game and were successful 31-18 at Tregaron on the second Saturday while the Bowl round one tie at Ferryside was postponed.