RUGBY PREVIEW

While most coaches would not see panic stations necessary at this stage of the season Newcastle Emlyn of the Championship and Crymych of League 1 West will be fully aware that in their present perilous positions they need to pick up points to avoid losing further ground.

A home mauling by unbeaten leaders Pontypool at the weekend left the Red and Whites in the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety, having won three and lost six, a record that does not instil confidence for the future.

Emlyn will be hoping to turn things around this Saturday when seventh in the table Skewen are the visitors to Ddol Wyber.

The Swansea side have played ten, won four and lost six, including a 35-10 away defeat at the hands of the students of Cardiff Metropolitan University in their latest outing.

A fourth success would obviously give the Teifisiders some breathing space but in what is arguably one of the most competitive divisions in the Principality that does not look straightforward.

Crymych's record of five defeats and just one win does not make good reading for followers and the latest debacle – a 64-17 defeat at Gowerton – left the Preselimen joint bottom but one.

Visitors to Parc Lloyd Thomas are old adversaries Tenby United who have won twice and lost six, including putting up a brave performance in going down 31-24 at pacesetters Dunvant on Saturday.

As it stands United are six points ahead of the north Pembrokeshire villagers and it goes without saying that victory would give a big boost to either side.

Cardigan are hardly setting the scene alight in League 3 West A with three wins and two defeats in five outings and supporters are still smarting from a National Bowl loss to Crymych Seconds.

Aberaeron, who have played six, won four and lost two, provide the opposition at King George V Playing Field, the Seasiders fresh from an 80-0 win over league whipping boys Llangwm.

Aeron are three points ahead of the Cardis and many believe the clash could be a closely contested affair.