RUGBY PREVIEW

While most clubs loathe postponements, a blank weekend because of the effects of Storm Callum could prove a blessing in disguise for Newcastle Emlyn of the Championship, who are suffering from the biggest injury crisis in their 41-year history.

After the clash with Tata Steel in Port Talbot fell victim to the conditions there were those who heaved sighs of relief in the knowledge that a further seven days would provide vital extra time for key players to recover and return to action against unbeaten Pontypool at Dol Wyber this Saturday.

The unprecedented injury list has been a huge contributing factor in the team's record of five defeats and one success in six outings.

But even with a full strength squad Alex Williams and colleagues face a demanding assignment against the Gwent high-flyers whose game against Bedlinog at Pontypool Park was also called off.

In their previous outing Pooler were expected to be extended by unbeaten visitors Narberth but in the event the reigning champions roared to a 55- 8 win and sent out warning signals to all their rivals.

The pacesetters have also come out on top against Ystrad Rhondda, Tata Steel, Bedlinog, Newbridge and Rhydyfelin with a seventh success in the Teifi Valley seen by many as little more than a formality.

In comparison to the Pooler record Emlyn lost against Trebanos, Rhydyfelin, Cardiff Met, Narberth and Ystrad Rhondda before opening their account at home against Bedlinog.

After the Pontypool challenge Emlyn visit fellow strugglers Beddau and the following Saturday host Maesteg Quins.

Crymych were expected to climb the League 1 West table with a home victory over bottom of the pile Kidwelly at the weekend but the game at Parc Lloyd Thomas was postponed.

The Preselimen continue their programme with a visit to second in the table Gowerton, a side they knocked out of the National Plate at the first round stage to set up an away round two game against Blaenavon of League 1 East a week on Saturday.

Currently in eight the north Pembrokeshire villagers have an unenviable record of played five, won one and lost four and are perilously close to the drop zone.

Rhys Davies and team-mates started the campaign with a 20-19 home win over Tenby United but there followed defeats against Aberystwyth, Whitland, leaders Felinfoel and Yr Hendy, although they ran the four rivals close.

Gowerton went down to a 26-15 away defeat against Yr Hendy on Saturday and could be hard pushed to secure a fifth win at the expense of Crymych.

Cardigan, whose League 3 West A game at Llanybydder was washed out, visit Bierspool to take on Pembroke Dock Quins and can be fancied to return north with a win under their belts.

The Cardis opened the season with a 22-10 defeat at Laugharne, lost 24-22 at home against Aberaeron, sprang a 12-9 win at lowly Tregaron and in their latest outing went down 25-20 against leaders Neyland at King George V Playing Field.

Third from bottom Quins lost 10-0 at St Davids last weekend and will obviously have to show considerable improvement if they are to secure victory over Colin Davies and Co.