LOCAL rugby clubs Newcastle Emlyn, Crymych and Cardigan are preparing for hugely important games this month, the results of which could have bearings on their fates.

Emlyn of the Championship are currently seventh of the 12 clubs and have eight games in which to climb the table or at least stay clear of the drop zone.

The Red and Whites host fourth-placed Beddau this weekend when fans will hope for a far different outcome than that between the rivals in Rhondda Cynon Taf back in September when the Teifisiders were thrashed 69-3.

Seven days later Alex Williams and team-mates visit one off the bottom Newbridge, the visitors out to complete a double having come out on top 20-0 at Ddol Wiber in October.

The following week Emlyn are at home against Glynneath who are one point behind Emlyn and sure to be buoyed by the 36-10 defeat they inflicted on their rivals at Abernant Park earlier in the season.

With seven wins from eleven outings under their belts Crymych occupy fifth position in League 1 West seven points off the promotion places.

The Preselimen are renowned for showing significant improvement during the second half of a season and fans will hope it will be a case of déjà vu once again as their favourites prepare for eleven games that could see the north Pembrokeshire villagers elevated to the Championship.

Tom Powell and colleagues start the second half of the campaign with what could be a demanding assignment at ninth in the table Waunarlwydd who gave Crymych quite a game at Parc Lloyd Thomas on the opening day of the season before going down to a 9-8 defeat.

Also this month Crymych host leaders Kidwelly who are two points clear at the top and inflicted a 36-15 defeat on the Preselimen at Parc Stephens in September.

They end the month with a visit to Penclawdd where Powell and Co will attempt to avenge a 14-12 defeat at the hands of the Cocklemen earlier in the term.

Cardigan are firing on two fronts as they strive to win promotion from League 3 West A and earn a place in the last eight of the WRU National Bowl.

Llyr Griffiths and team-mates visit bottom of the pile St David's on Saturday when many fans will understandably have one eye on the following Saturday when North Wales club Denbigh come calling in the Bowl.

After the cup tie that is expected to attract a large crowd to King George V Playing Field, the Cardis visit Milford Haven and host Neyland and Llangwm.