Whitland v Tenby and Milford face a big test

WRU Championship:

Narberth v Maesteg Quins​

It's two defeats in three now for Narberth and both those games, most recently at Tata Steel last week, they've left themselves playing catch up at half time.

But they remain third with just two games against ninth placed Maesteg Quins to come, with the double header starting at the Lewis Lloyd Ground on Saturday.

Sean Gale and coaches have responded to that Tata defeat by ringing changes. Gethin Gibby, Jake Jenkins and Rhys Lane come into the back line while Daniel Jacobs and Tom Havard start as props. Roy Osborn and Rich Rees make it seven changes to the starting XV.

It's the last home game of the season for the Otters, and they'll want to finish on a high note.

Narberth: Ianto Griffiths, Gethin Gibby, Jack Price, Jake Jenkins, Yannic Parker, Jonathan Rogers, Rhys Lane, Daniel Jacobs, Bradley Davies, Tom Havard, Alex Jenkins (capt), Roy Osborn, Dewi Williams, Tom Powell, Rich Rees. Replacements: Bradley Davies, Dan Smith, Kyle Hamer, Lewys Gibby, Llew Jones.

Division One West:

Llanelli Wanderers v Crymych

It was late heartbreak for Crymych last week and a draw must have felt like defeat.

But on paper this looks a chance to bounce back against a Llanelli Wanderers side they beat 10-0 at home just a month ago.

The 20th placed Wanderers come in on the back of a great 32-14 win over Aberystwyth though, and regardless of the improved weather, the Preseli Men will face another real battle up front.

Aled Harries stood out for Randal Williams' team in that 15-15 tie with Llangennech and after two games without a win, and a Pembrokeshire KO Cup final on April 26th, Crymych will want to regain momentum.

Whitland v Tenby United

Crymych's opponents in the final will be Whitland, who suddenly are fourth and climbing to second or third by the end of the season is very possible.

They had to front up physically to beat Dunvant 28-12 last week and were well directed by skipper Marc Jones and No 10 Nico Setaro. James Stephenson has also added a dimension since returning at 15.

Tomorrow Aaron Mayne starts at prop instead of Tom Finucane, and in the back row Ryan Morgan and Jack Mason replace the injured Ben Kirk and Scott Buirds respectively. The backline though, is unchanged from that Dunvant win.

Tenby meanwhile, still chase a first league win. They did show spirit in that 17-7 defeat to Gorseinon and centre Billy Truman underlined his potential with a try, but they will need to go up a notch here.

Truman is missing tomorrow though, replaced by Ben Pugh, while Ryan Hill comes onto the win. In the pack Tom Barrass, Charlie Patching and Jack Broadhurst are back starting and with Roy Osborn on permit with Narberth, skipper Luke Dedman switches to the back row.

It is former players day at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn, which should mean a big derby crowd.

Whitland: James Stephenson, Scott Lloyd, Gino Setaro, Josh Thomas, Jonathan Thomas, Nico Setaro, Adam Davies, Aaron Mayne, Marc Jones, Jimmy Buirds, Raff Williams, Courtney Bowman, Ryan Morgan, Jack Mason. Replacements: Josh Thomas, Tomos Evans, Gethin Lewis, Simon Meakins, Danny Evans.

Tenby United: Jack Tucker, Jordan Asparassa, Ben Pugh, Moritz Neumann, Ryan Hill, Lloyd Thomas, Dan Thomas, Ethan Morgan, Dan Allen, Rob Luly, Huw Evans, Tom Barrass, Luke Dedman, Charlie Patching, Jack Broadhurst. Replacements: Geoff Martin, Harry Owen, Mark Hamilton, Nicky Guymer, Mike Davis.

Division Two West:

Fishguard v Penclawdd

The Seagulls had a big say in the promotion race last week. They could have an even bigger one here.

That 24-12 win in Pontyberem, courtesy of tries from winger Ed bendall (2) and hooker Gavin Walsh, did Pembroke a big favour and leaders Pen clawdd wil be very wary here.

Fishguard lost away to their visitors 26-7 on March 3rd but not have two wins on the bounce - and from what I know about head coach Nathan Jenkins he will be demanding a strong finish.

Him and Simon James has largely kept faith with the side who won last week, with the only changes in the front and back row. Gavin Walsh switches to prop and Liam Wilkes starts at No 2 - while Jordan James replaces james himself as skipper Chris Shousha starts at 8.

Fishguard: Robbie Jones, Thomas George, Sion Rowlands, Kial Keane, Ed Bendall, Geraint Jones, Andrew Williams, Gavin Walsh, Liam Wilkes, Ryan McVeigh, Ben John, Luke Freebury, Lewis Davies, Jordan James, Chris Shousha (capt). Replacements: Neil Perkins, Mark George, Gwil Evans, Alun George, Osian Lewis.

St Clears v Burry Port

St Clears aren't mathematically relegated but in all reality, it's Division Three West A next season after that loss to Mumbles.

There were positives and winger Andrew Kirkbride impressed with a try, but it's now a case of salvaging pride from their final four games.

They'll want to start with revenge on a Burry Port team who comfortably beat them 36-7 in February. 

Division Three West A:

Aberaeron v Pembroke Dock Quins - postponed, Quins unable to field a side.

Llanybydder v Llangwm

Llangwm produced arguably the best 50 minutes of their season last Saturday to lead Milford 17-12. And although they eventually lost, the problems thye caused the Mariners up front, No 8 Josh Hicks again to the fore, should give them renewed belief.

Bydder have had a mixed few weeks and were hammered away to Laugharne last Saturday, although battled hard in a 14-6 loss to Haverfordwest on Wednesday.

They tend to be stronger at home though, so Bruce Evans will need to take full strength side to Carmarthen. If he does, Llangwm will make their hosts work hard.

Milford Haven v Laugharne

This is pivotal.

A Dan Jenkins try hat trick eventually sealed a 43-12 win for Milford against Llangwm but it came at a cost - with Ryan Mansell, Brandon Cooper, Zan France-Miller, Lee Riley, Garin Gardner, and Andrew Ling all picking up knocks.

Coaches Nathan Williams and Steve Martin also didn't start so I'd expect them to be in the XV tomorrow, and there is no room for error ahead of that trip to Aberaeron.

Laugharne comfortably beat Llanybydder 34-12 last week as centre Tom Jameson impressed - and they pushed Milford all the way in the first game in January, before going down 27-21.

I expect the visitors will favour a fast game, but they'll need parity up front to do that. 

A big battle is in store at The Obs.

St Davids v Tregaron

St Davids finish their league season with this, and player coach Anthony Davies will want them to leave everything out there.

They go in with renewed belief after losing 34-13 to Cardigan in a much improved display, and were in it for much of the game before losing to Tregaron 38-17 back in February.

The Mid Wales team themselves fought back for a 12-10 win in Pembroke Dock last week via tries from Chris Williams and Dewi Jones, and they too will eye a big chance of another win.

It could be scrappy and tight - and it could be some session afterwards for the winners.