RUGBY PREVIEW

It is crunch time for Newcastle Emlyn of the Championship on Saturday when the Red and Whites take on fellow strugglers Newbridge,

the result of which could go a long way to defining the season for both clubs.

Emlyn travel to Gwent at the bottom of the pile, four points behind their opponents and eight from safety – with four clubs relegated it goes without saying that the clash has huge significance.

The Teifisiders will not have been in action for three weeks and should havde most of the squad available while Newbridge notched a second win a week last Saturday when beating Beddau.

One win – at home against Bedlinog last month – and seven defeats is not an enviable record for Emlyin who have lost against Trebanos (home), Rhydyfelin (away), Cardiff Met (away), Narberth (home); Ystrad Rhondda (away), Pontypool (home) and Beddau (away).

Formerly one of the big guns in Welsh rugby, Newbridge started the season with a 21-12 win over visitors Rhydyfelin at the Welfare Ground,

but have lost against Narberth (away), Bedlinog (home), Pontypool (away), Maesteg Quins (home), Trebanos (away), Cardiff Met (home),

Ystrad Rhondda (away) and Tata Steel (home).

If putting it all together on the day Emlyn must be given a chance of returning west with the spoils, but with so much at stage it is a difficult result to call.

Successful in League 1 West for the second time recently, Crymych attempt to improve their fourth from bottom position when going

head-to-head with Llanelli Wanderers at Stradey Park.

The north Pembrokeshire villagers have pushed sides in the top half of the table without quite gaining the results hoped for, and those who were given a run for their money included leaders Felinfoel.

After stepping off on the right foot with a 20-19 win over visitors Tenby United at Parc Lloyd Thomas the Preselimen lost five on

the bounce against Aberystwyth (away), Whitland (away), Felinfoel (home), Yr Hendy (away) and Gowerton (away) before springing a narrow

win over Dunvant.

Wanderers are currently fourth in the table, having won four games, and lost on three occasions, including defeat at the hands of second-placed Gowerton last time out.

They have  beaten Kidwelly (away), Dunvant (home), Tenby Utd (home) and Yr Hendy (home) and could target the Crymych game as a good

opportunity to bank points.

Cardigan of League 3 West A will also be intent on improving a record of three wins and as many defeats, but Colin Davies and his

charges could face a stern test against unbeaten Milford Haven at King George V Playing Field.

The Mariners are third in the table, two points behind pacesetters Neyland, but have two games in hand on the Pembrokeshire All Blacks.

The Observatory ground high-flyers started the season with a 39-3 away win against Pembroke Dock Quins, and have also lowered the colours

of Haverfordwest, St Davids, Tregaron and Neyland.

Mid-tablers Cardigan have come out on top against Tregaron, Pembroke Dock Quins and Llangwm, while going down to defeat against

Laugharne, Aberaeron and Neyland.

It appears a tough assignment for the Cardis and a fourth win would undoubtedly be a big boost to morale.