Pembrokeshire sides return to WRU League action

WRU Championship:

Ystrad Rhondda v Narberth

Narberth go to Ystrad chasing a third straight league win, with the hosts having beaten Ystalyfera and lost to Neath so far.

The Otters ran in the tries against Trebanos on Saturday but have changed the two half backs with Rhys Lane and Ianto Griffiths back in, while props Tom Slater and Bradley Davies, plus second row Alex Jenkins, return in the pack.

It's a tough test, but the sort that Sean Gale's side have become more than used to coming through.

Tip: Narberth by 7.

Narberth: Nick Gale, Dafydd Pritchard, Joe Hutchings, Jake Jenkins, Josh Davies, Ianto Griffiths, Rhys Lane, Bradley Davies, Rhodri Owens, Tom Slater, Jake Baker, Alex Jenkins, Rich Rees (capt), Tom Powell, Steff Phillips. Replacements: Jonathan Rogers, Lewys Gibby, Dan Smith, Tom Kaijaks, Dewi Williams, Yannic Parker.

Division One West:

Crymych v Felinfoel

The champions come to Crymych, and early signs show Felinfoel will be up there again after two bonus point wins.

The Preseli Men had too much for Fishguard in the Plate last week but can't afford to be as wasteful in attack as they were in Yr Hendy two weeks ago.

Given the rain due today, pitch conditions could make for a big forward battle and Rhys 'Beaky' Davies and co can mix it up front for sure - but on form thus far the Foel start favourites.

Tip: Felinfoel by 10.

Penclawdd v Pembroke

On the one hand Pembroke drew in Aber, could have beaten Whitland, and fielded a much changed side when losing in the Plate last week. There is no need for concern.

On the other, they are yet to win this season.

There will be no love lost here between two sides who went up last season. And their games, let alone their post match Twitter exchanges, were less than friendly.

Expect some physical exchanges and a tight 80 minutes. But if Pembroke fashion a winning position, then unlike their two league games so far they have to get over the line.

Tip: Pembroke by 3.

Whitland v Newcastle Emlyn

Two undefeated teams meet at Whitland although The Borderers are much changed from the side that won in the Plate in Penclawdd.

Another familiar face in Dafydd Evans is likely to be in Emlyn colours, and the home side will be all too aware of his skill around the base of rucks.

Regardless, Emlyn have spent the last few seasons in the Championship and this represents a stern test for Gareth Bennett's side.

Tip: Emlyn by 8.

Whitland: James Stephenson, Aron Ebsworth, Jonathan Thomas, Josh Thomas, Jac Howells, Nico Setaro, Josh Thomas (2), Aaron Mayne, Gethin Lewis, Tom Finucane, Courtney Bowman, Raff Williams, Jack Mason, Ryan Morgan, Scott Buirds. Replacements: Olly Hughes, Jamie Thomas, Michael Ryan, Ben Kirk, Tomos Evans.

Division Two West:

Milford Haven v Kidwelly

After a positive first two weeks, last week represented the first step back for Milford this season when they opted not to go to Aber in the WRU Plate.

Momentum is important at this level and while it saved them a trek, they now need a win here to justify not going.

They'll have to cope without Sam Dolling as Ryan Mansell switches to No 8, with Gareth Cheshire coming into the back row.

This is the kind of home game The Mariners need to target and they will have to dig it out against a Kidwelly team coming in with back to back wins over Tenby.

Tip: Milford by 7.

Milford Haven: George Evans, Lee Riley, Dan Jenkins, Dan Birch (capt), Steve Martin, James Trueman, Danny McClelland, Mike Cockburn, Luke Ryan, Adam Rees, Brandon Cooper, Nathan Banner, Gareth Cheshire, Zac Davies, Ryan Mansell. Replacements: Nathan Williams, Zac France-Miller, Darren Lewis, Jimmy Thomas, Efan Morgan.

Tenby United v Carmarthen Athletic

The start of the season for Tenby as thus far been a continuation of the last one.

Plenty of potential and some promising displays, but without the wins to go with either.

Their side tomorrow sees Lloyd Thomas switch to full back and the back row looks strong via Andrew Cooke, Luke Hansford, and Jack Brown.

Athletic currently look strong through with Mike King in charge and some new signings over the summer, and beating Pembroke in the Plate underlined that.

I can see them being too strong tomorrow.

Tip: Athletic by 8.

Tenby United: Lloyd Thomas, Joe Owen, Ben Pugh, Max Brindley, Jack Tucker, Harry Rossiter, Matthew Morgan, Ethan Morgan, Jim Brace, Rob Luly, Tom Barrass, Luke Dedman (capt), Andrew Cooke, Luke Hansford, Jack Brown. Replacements: Jack Broadhurst, Wyndham Williams, Huw Evans, Dan Allen, Rob Clarke.

Tycroes v Fishguard

Fishguard would have wanted to push Crymych closer last week, but I don't think a Plate exit would have overly concerned them.

The league is their priority and they go in search a third straight win in that respect, and have made tactical changes with James Griffiths back at No 10 and Mark Jones going to full back.

Veteran prop Andrew Morrillo also returns as does Mark George at No 8, so they aren't short on experience.

They've started the season with a good mentality and although this could be close, I can see their streak continuing.

Tip: Fishguard by 5.

Fishguard: Mark Jones, Robbie Jones, Thomas George, Kial Keane, Rhys Evans, James Griffiths, Andrew Williams, Ryan McVeigh, Gavin Walsh, Andrew Morrillo, Richie Hunter, Luke Freebury, Scott Riches, Chris Shousha (capt), Mark George. Replacements: Liam Wilkes, Jason Davies, Jordan James, Dan Evans, Osian Lewis.

Division Three West A:

Aberaeron v St Clears

Aberaeron have responded well since losing to Laugharne on the opening day with a big win over Llanybydder and then Llandybie in the Bowl.

Since beating St Davids on day one, St Clears have had back to back defeats in league and cup and this looks a difficult trip for them.

I can't see past a home win.

Tip: Aberaeron by 15.

Laugharne v Cardigan - game postponed due to a funeral.

Llangwm v Pembroke Dock Quins

Both these sides were well beaten in the Bowl last week, Llangwm by Cefneithin and The Quins at Lampeter - a strange result given they comfortably overcame the same side on the opening day in the league.

The visitors will be favourites if at full strength though and The Wasps have to mix it up front and deny their visitors clean ball, especially with the likes of Jack Price and Jordan Asparassa lurking out wide.

Josh Hicks will inevitably carry the main Llangwm threat and Neil Machin's side will know if they can stop him making inroads, that will be half the battle.

Tip: Quins by 14.

Neyland v Tregaron

The All Blacks pulled out all the stops to field a side in Penygroes for the Bowl last week but given this is a home game, they should be stronger.

The likes of Steve Evans, 'Gaga' Richards, and Matthew Williams will want to be 'rested' and they need to target a Tregaron team beaten by Lampeter two weeks ago.

The All Blacks have had two games under their belts now and if they can put together an 80 minute display, then they'll win here.

Tip: Neyland by 10.

St Davids v Haverfordwest

The Blues have started the season with real intent although their main points gatherer from last week, Craig Barnett, sits this one out.

Among other changes the returning Scott Candler comes into the centre and captain Matty Phillips switches to back row.

St Davids have followed a similar pattern thus far - competing well in the first 40 minutes of games before slipping off the pace.

The Blues will be after a try bonus point and The Saints would do very well to stop them getting one.

Haverfordwest: Rhys Baker, Ryan Neilson, Scott Candler, Jake Evans, Jack Evans, Jamie Barnett, Elgan Roberts, Terry Lovell, Jamie Zambass, Tom Carrington, Jack Clancy, Matthew Lewis, Gareth John, Matty Phillips, Jon Mason. Replacements: Richard Brazell, Ross Harries, Jonathan Clout, Matthew Clayton.

Tip: Haverfordwest by over 20.