National Bowl Round 4:

Nant Conwy II v Aberaeron

Teams in the Bowl are now four wins from the Principality Stadium, so for any first XV, to draw a second XV looks favourable.

But while Nant Conwy's main club side are going well in Division One North, this is a step into the unknown for Aberaeron.

Their hosts have got this far through byes so the visitors have little to go on - but at least the bus journey will be shorter for them than most.

They beat Tregaron 31-0 last week and brothers Morgan and Dan Lewellyn again showed their threat with tries, and it was another accurate kicking display from Rhodri Jones, who landed 16 points.

And be rest assured, the visitors will be taking this one seriously.

Tylorstown v Haverfordwest

Both these teams have had similar starts in their respective leagues.

Like the Blues, Tylorstown have lost twince in Division Three West Central A, winning their other five including a 19-18 success in Gwernyfed last week.

It goes without saying it won't be an easy trip for Steve Barnett's side but the Blues are playing well of late, winning four on the bounce.

They were made to work hard in difficult conditions by Cardigan last week but the returns of flanker Jack Clancy and prop Ashley George were timely.

Stand in captain Mike Jones also orchestrated things well from No 10 and with a bus load of supporters also going up, Haverfordwest will fancy this.

But a good club day out is always that much better when accompanied by a win.

Haverfordwest: Rhys Baker, Ben Alba, Craig Barnett, Dan Richards, Tony Steiner, Like Jones, Lee Summons, Jamie Zambas, Matthew Clayton, Terry Lovell, Jack Clancy, Karl Busch, Steve Thomas, Matty Phillips, Ashley George. Replacements: Ben Llewellyn, Rhodri Harries, Jamie Barnett, Gareth Owens, Gareth John.

Usk (walkover) v Neyland - Neyland unable to field a side.

Championship:

Newbridge v Narberth

It was a game of two halves for Narberth last week, and one they turned around to beat Beddau 14-13.

They face another side struggling in the table tomorrow, with Newbridge third bottom despite a thrilling 33-32 win over Newcastle Emlyn a fortnight ago.

The Otters have switched Jack Price back into the centre from the wing, like they did midway through the game last week, with Jonny Morgan returning in place of Jake Jenkins.

Up front, Tom Kaijaks and Ryan Bean move into the front five while Andrew Cooke replaces Steffan Phillips in the back row.

With back to back games against Rhydyfelin and Newcastle Emlyn to follow this, Sean Gale's side will be targeting a good finish to 2018.

Narberth: Ianto Griffiths, Nick Gale, Kieron Jones, Jack Price, Jonathan Rogers, Rhys Lane, Dan Jacobs, Rhodri Owens, Tom Kaijaks, Ryan Bean, Alex Jenkins (capt), Andrew Cooke, Tom Powell, Richard Rees. Replacements: Kyle Hamer, Bradley Davies, Steffan Phillips, Jake Jenkins, Lewis Gibby.

Division One West:

Dunvant v Whitland

After a stick patch Whitland look back in business, digging deep to beat Kidwelly 18-10 last week.

Flanker Ryan Morgan impressed with a crucial try and there was also a promising debut from young scrum half Josh Thomas, so they will travel to Dunvant with renewed confidence.

Although coaches Gareth Bennett and Dan Mason have made some interesting changes. Captain Marc Jones has moved to flanker with Gethin Lewis coming in at hooker, and vice captain Nico Setaro has also moved from 10 to 15 as James Stephenson returns. Rhys Schiavone meanwhile, moves into the centre.

Both second rows also change while Scott Buirds makes a rare start at No 8 in the absence of Jack Mason.

Whitland: Nico Setaro, Liam Price, Rhys Schiavone, Josh Thomas, Llyr Ebsworth, James Stephenson, Josh Thomas, Aaron Mayne, Gethin Lewis, Jimmy Buirds, Courtney Bowman, Jamie Thomas, Marc Jones, Ryan Morgan, Scott Buirds. Replacements: Tomos Evans, Michael Ryan, Dai Ebsworth, Ben Kirk, Gino Setaro. 

Gorseinon v Tenby United

It was another loss for Tenby last week but they would have taken heart from a second half fightback which yielded a bonus point.

A last gasp try from Matty Morgan secured that but they can ill afford to let winnable games slip them by much longer, including this one against a Gorseinon team with three wins from seven.

But they were dismantled in Crymych last week and with two derby games to follow this, Gareth Thomas will know a win here would build vital momentum.

And still, Tenby are only seven points from safety. It is far from mission impossible.

Llangennech v Crymych

A big forward effort setthe platform for Crymych to comfortably beat Gorseinon last week, with Matthew Freebury one of many to stand out up front.

Young outside half Ifan Phillips duly did his stuff with the boot, and after the weather this week Randall Williams will demand a similar effort in Llangennech.

The home side are third though after a good win in Llanelli Wanderers last Saturday, and none of the three league wins thus far for the Preseli Men have come away from home.

It's a stat Williams and co will want to change.

Division Two West:

Fishguard v Pontyberem

The Seagulls were depleted in Tycroes last week and paid the price, and while they still lie 11 points clear of the bottom two they know how quickly things change in this league.

So they will see a win here as a must to ensure breathing space over Christmas.

Pontyberem (who may have former Seagull Mike Jenkins in their backline) are fourth though after four league wins on the bounce, so the home side must be at their best.

Scrum half Mark Williams played well in Tycroes while the likes of Gavin Walsh, Gwilym Evans, Ben John and skipper Chris Shousha have all been involved in some crucial games with The Bont in recent seasons. So despite their largely youthful squad, the home side know what's needed.

Loughor v Pembroke

Some debatable refereeing seemingly cost Pembroke last week but regardless, they would have been disappointed to have lost from 17-9 up half time.

No 8 Sam Smith was again in try scoring form as he crossed twice, but two second half yellow cards and a high penalty count seemingly cost the Scarlets dear.

It's no disaster given they still lie second but they will want to bounce back at Loughor, themselves beaten 24-17 last week in Pontyberem.

The Llanelli based side lie sixth after a mixed start, and there is no reason why the visitors can't take it to them here.

Division Three West A:

Cardigan v St Davids

It was an improved display from St Davids against Llanybydder last week but still, they shipped 52 points and have now conceded more than 400 for the season. 

That's way too many.

Cardigan meanwhile, performed well in Haverfordwest and seem to be building after a mixed start - and the return of classy full back John Lumb has helped matters.

In recent seasons, this has not been a happy hunting ground for the Saints, and Ianto Davies will know in order to compete, his side need to up things defensively if nothing else.

Cardigan: John Lumb (capt), Aaron Tomkinson, Emyr Harries,  Siôn Hughes, Kieran Hurley, Iwan John, Tom Dunn, William Brice, Bedwyr Davies, Andrew Fletcher, Dean Harries, Sion Phillips, Tom Taylor, Dafydd Wyn Rotie, Colin Davies. Replacements: Ben Hughes, Elliot Dry, Luke Palmer-Davies, Toby Neilson, Rhydian Jenkins, Gruffydd Lewis.

Llangwm v Milford Haven

It was a long awaited away win for Llangwm last week as they beat Pembroke Dock 22-5 at Bierspool.

But while this may sound strange, I don't think they would have been totally satisfied. Josh Hicks again got them moving forward with a man of the match display and Robbie Neil's return at centre paid dividends, but they should have come away with a four try bonus point given their possession.

However that result was a welcome boost as they prepare to welcome Milford, who have been short of rugby of late.

But it hasn't affected the form of The Mariners and with Haverfordwest and Neyland in Bowl action, they will see this as a good chance to close the gap at the top in terms of points and games played.

Flanker Ryan Mansell was outstanding in their win at Cardigan last time out and former Wasp Joe Kiff also shone in attack, and the visitors will arrive wanting a bonus point win. 

Llangwm must be resolute and not make it easy for them.

Tregaron v Pembroke Dock Quins

The Quins haven't been able to fulfil their last two long away trips, Laugharne and Aberaeron, but it is a must they travel as close to full strength as they can here.

Both sides have just a point each and are yet to win, and while Neil Machin's men were at least able to field a young line up in their defeat to Llangwm - it was one that inevitably lacked experience.

Hywel Baker stood out for them in the back row though and will be a key figure if they are to get anything in Tregaron, who have shown improvements after a tough start.

They battled hard in Aberaeron last week to deny the hosts a four try bonus point, and in Huw Bonner they have an accomplished kicker who will punish indiscipline from the visitors.

Both will see this as must win.