Rugby preview

Local rugby clubs will be hoping for early Christmas cheer on Saturday when Newcastle Emlyn are at home against Cardiff Met in the Championship, Crymych host League 1 West joint leaders Dunvant while in League 3 West A mid-table Cardigan visit Bierspool to take on Pembroke Dock Quins.

Emlyn will no doubt be buoyed before going head-to-head with the Cardiff students at Ddol Wyber after Alex Williams and colleagues rose to the occasion in springing a 34-24 win over third in the table Tata Steel at Port Talbot.

When the rivals met in the capital back in September the Teifisiders went down 34-19 but since then the students have not enjoyed a great deal of success – last weekend they were defeated 34-19 at second in the table Narberth.

After notching a fifth win, Emlyn are currently sixth and fans will be hoping for more success to boost confidence further before the end of the year home clash with high-flying Narberth.

League 1 West basement boys Crymych, who have tasted success only once in six outings face a big task when hosting joint leaders Dunvant at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

The Preselimen will no doubt take confidence from last Saturday's 27-25 home win over Tondu of League 1 West Central in round three of the National Plate.

On the opening day of the season Dunvant defeated the north Pembrokeshire outfit 36-22 and will be favourites to complete the double.

There was a time when Cardigan dominated the local scene those days are long gone and the King George V Field club is currently eighth of 11 in League 3 West A.

When the Cardis hosted Pembroke Dock Quins on the opening day Emyr Harries and Co emerged 22-12 winners and will be hoping for a fourth win of the season.