Pembrokeshire rugby previews for Saturday, September 16th (2.30pm):

Championship:

Beddau v Narberth

It was back down to earth for The Otters last week with a comprehensive defeat at Cardiff Met.

But the result was overshadowed by a neck injury to influential skipper Alex Jenkins, and he will be sorely missed by his side for the foreseeable future.

In one big selection change, Ianto Griffiths switches to full back, with Jonathan Rogers making his first league start of the season at outside half.

Ryan Banner comes in for Jenkins in the second row, and Ollie Evans returns on permit to cover the front row from the bench.

But this will be another tough task for The Otters against a Beddau side with two wins from two thus far, and Sean Gale’s side will have to be at their best to bounce back with a victory.

Narberth: Ianto Griffiths, Jack Parkinson, Kieran Jones, Kieran Griffiths, Gethin Gibby, Jonathan Rogers, Rhys Lane, Bradley Davies, Dan Smith, Tom Slater, Jake Simm, Ryan Banner, Rich Rees (captain), Sean Jenkins, Steffan Phillips.

Replacements: Ollie Evans, Dewi Williams, Tom Powell, Lewis Gibby, Joe Hutchings.

Division One West:

Crymych v Gorseinon - match postponed, waterlogged pitch.

Tenby United v Penclawdd

After their superb start against Llanelli Wanderers, The Seasiders were given a reality check last week at Kidwelly.

But they were rampant at Heywood Lane last season, and I expect them to bounce back against a Penclawdd side that has also notched one win from two.

Defeat is not something Tenby have become accustomed to in recent months, and Luke Hansford and co should be stung into a response here.

Division Two West:

Carmarthen Athletic v Whitland

The Borderers are looking for a third straight win in this local derby over Athletic.

As always with these games, expect a close fought scrap, but Whitland showcased an ability to play rugby and score tries in their wins over Pontyberem and St Clears – so will want to avoid an outright forward battle.

If they can do that, with the likes of Sean Coles ready to strike out wide, their winning run should continue.

Whitland: Scott Newton,  Liam Price, Johnny Thomas, Alun Howells,  Sean Coles, Nico Setaro, Adam Davies, Aaron Mayne, Marc Jones, Michael Ryan, Raff Williams, Dai Ebsworth, Danny Evans, Ryan Michael, Jack Mason.

Replacements: Kyle Hamer, James Lewis, Ryan Morgan, Tom Parry, Josh Thomas.

Llanybydder v Fishguard

Now a big game for The Seagulls after their defeat to Carmarthen Athletic last week.

Llanybydder themselves have lost their only game, 22-7 at Amman United, but whilst they rarely travel well, are always a tough proposition at home.

Fishguard did show their ability to put points on the board last week, with Ed Bendall and Matthew George crossing out wide, and Alun George will again need to be on form with the boot having landed 11 points against The Athletic.

If the visitors are on the ball defensively, they have every chance of edging this one.

Fishguard: Edward Bendall, James Reynolds, Mike Jenkins, Gareth Adamson, Thomas George, Alun George, Andrew Williams, Ryan McVeigh, Gavin Walsh, Neil Perkins, Jac Evans, Luke Freebury, Jordan James, Chris Shousha, Mark George.

Replacements: Jason Davies, Liam Wilkes, Mark Butler, Dan Evans, Osian Lewis.

St Clears v Pontyberem

After a poor opening, St Clears showed their capabilities before going down 31-10 in Whitland last week – and the final outcome could have been closer had Mike Jones’ men not missed two eminently kickable penalties at 24-10 early in the second half.

But Jones and co will know if they are to make an impression in their new league, then they have to perform at home.

Pontyberem themselves were smashed by The Borderers on the opening day, but bounced back to win 16-13 at Tumble last week.

Their form has notoriously fluctuated in recent seasons, and The Carmarthenshire Saints will be targeting a first Division Two win here.

WRU Bowl Round One (ties involving Pembrokeshire sides):

Cefneithin v Milford Haven

The Mariners went as far as the quarter finals last season, and whilst they have lost some key men from that campaign, have a good chance of progressing here against a Cefneithin side playing in Division Three West Central B.

Having said that, the home side did start their season with a 62-0 home win over Furnace United last Saturday, but Milford’s pack power, with the experienced Mark Wonnacott seemingly back playing regularly at No 8, should be enough to see them through.

However, as so often the case with Pembrokeshire sides in this competition, who exactly coach Alan McClelland has available for a long away trip may well dictate the outcome.

Ferryside v Cardigan

The Teifisiders have dug deep in their opening two league games to grind out wins at Pembroke Dock Quins and Tregaron, with player coach Colin Davies coming back into the team to notch a try brace in the latter game.

They will have to be equally as combative today at Ferryside, with the hosts having also won two from two thus far in Division Three West Central C.

Cardigan this week conceded their Pembrokeshire KO Cup first round tie, but having reached the semi-finals of The Bowl last season, before losing out to Amman United, they know the worth of a good cup run.

And whilst they would do well to repeat last season’s feat, for that reason, you’d expect them to give this one 100%.

Cardigan: Ben Rogers, Rhydian Jenkins, Justin James Noble, Emyr Harries (captain), Gruffydd Lewis, Dion James, Owain Rees, Scott Payne, Luke Palmer Davies, Ben Hughes, Dean Harries, Sion Phillips, Kieran Hurley, Geraint Williams, Colin Davies.

Replacements: Will Brice, Stuart Davies, William James Delve, Osian Rees, Tomos Jones.

Haverfordwest v Pembroke

The clash of the day in Pembrokeshire.

Anyone of the top Division Three West A sides are capable of a good run in the Bowl, and these two are no exception.

Both are also expected to be amongst the front runners for the league, so this could be an early indicator of how things may map out in the title race.

Pembroke have had a perfect start, scoring 16 tries and taking 10 points from their first two games.

Brothers Toby and Sam Smith have been crucial, while deploying Dom Colman in the centre has suggested they are prepared to adopt a more direct approach in this campaign.

Having said that, The Blues will be wary that The Scarlets have good runners out wide, as Bruce Evans’ men themselves blew away the cobwebs last Saturday with an 18-7 win in Aberaeron.

Ben Skudder continues to shine since switching over from football, with two more tries last week, and as per usual, this Haverfordwest side already appears a more cohesive one than the squad that was relegated from a higher league last season.

This should be a physical and enticing 80 minutes.

Llandovery 2nds v Neyland

For the first time, second XV's have been allowed in this competition, so The All Blacks face something of an unknown quantity here, with Llandovery 2nds having struggled to raise a side thus far in the campaign

Therefore, it will be interesting to see what they field tomorrow against Neyland team who will simply want a win to build momentum after defeats to Pembroke and arch rivals Milford Haven.

Steve Martin’s men are also likely to be seething after organisers opted to rule against them in the Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup, giving their unfulfilled tie to Pembroke Dock Harlequins – so if they can travel with a strong squad, should be fired up for this.

Llangadog v St Davids

After more than 21 months without a league win, few would have begrudged The Saints their 17-12 success over Llangwm last week, a result met with great relief by Rhys ‘Loshin’ Price and his side.

Today however, they will be missing their two young try scorers from that game, Zak Morgan and Anton Matthews, as they face a long road trip to Llangadog.

The home side have opened their season with heavy defeats to Nantgaredig and Lampeter Town, but it should be noted that both those sides will be expected to challenge for the Division Three West B title.

If The Saints are to have any chance of prevailing here, they need to travel up as close to full strength as possible. Otherwise – it could be a long day on the road.

Crymych 2nds v Newcastle Emlyn 2nds - match postponed, waterlogged pitch

Laugharne v Narberth 2nds Laugharne awarded a walkover

Llangwm v TSD Lampeter – Llangwm awarded a walkover

Pembroke Dock Quins v TSD Carmarthen – Pembroke Dock Quins awarded a walkover