RUGBY PREVIEW

In terms of crucial games in the WRU Championship they don’t come more vital than the encounter between bottom of the pile Newcastle Emlyn and fellow relegation battlers Beddau down by the River Teifi at Ddol Wyber on Saturday.

With four clubs relegated for the first time it’s an intriguing situation in the lower reaches with seven or eight rivals striving to avoid the drop.

When Emlyn visited Mount Pleasant Park in October the Rhondda Cynon Taf side emerged 41-19 winners and will be intent on completing the double this weekend and increasing the five-point advantage they hold over the Teifisiders.

In their most recent game Beddau turned in one of their best performances of the campaign in defeating Tata Steel 33-20.

Last time out Emlyn also excelled in giving unbeaten leaders Pontypool a run for their money and many local followers will be hoping the Red and Whites can make home advantage pay dividends.

Emlyn’s fate could be virtually decided by early April after other relegation-haunted clubs Maesteg Quins (home and away) and Newbridge (home) provide the opposition.

Crymych will hope to improve their chance of a top three finish in League 1 West with a win over visiting Llanelli Wanderers at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

With six games left the north Pembrokeshire villagers are fifth after eight wins and will no doubt be intent on improving on their latest outing which resulted in a disappointing defeat at Dunvant.

Wanderers are third from bottom having lost ten of 15 games but have a big buffer over second from bottom Kidwelly.

The return game between the rivals is at Stradey Park on April 6.

In League 3 West A mid table Cardigan visit the Observatory Ground to take on leaders Milford Haven who came out on top 22-12 in the corresponding game at King George V Playing Field in November.

The Mariners lost their first game last time out when defeated 17-12 at Llanybydder and will be anxious for a return to winning ways in their quest to land the title.

The Cardis are currently seventh having won eight and with seven games remaining will hope for a win to climb the table.