Pembrokeshire rugby fixtures for Saturday, October 12th:

WRU Championship:

Bedwas v Narberth​

There's no glossing over that Narberth would have dissapointed with last week.

As strong as Pontypool are, they'd have wanted to test them at home and Sean Gale's team are a better side than the 50-8 scoreline suggested.

This is not the ideal game to bounce back in, with Bedwas beating Neath 14-12 on Saturday to maintain their 100% start to life in the Championship. Relegated from the top tier last year, they look hell bent on returning at the first attempt.

The Otters have made a host of changes with Jake Jenkins, Yannic Parker, Ianto Griffiths and Rhys Lane all into the back line - while Tom Kaijaks, Alex Jenkins, and Dewi Williams start in the pack with Roy Osborn moving from second row back to No 8.

But changes or not, this is another very tough one.

Tip: Bedwas by 15-20.

Narberth: Nick Gale, Yannic Parker, Joe Hutchings, Jake Jenkins, Josh Davies, Ianto Griffiths, Rhys Lane, Bradley Davies, Rhodri Owens, Tom Kaijaks, Jake Baker, Alex Jenkins, Rich Rees (capt), Dewi Williams, Roy Osborn. Replacements: Kyle Hamer, Dan Jacobs, Tom Powell, Jonathan Rogers, Lewys Gibby.

Division Two West:

Burry Port v Fishguard

Fishguard were left frustrated that they didn't put an 80 minute display in last week. 

When they eventually clicked they more than matched Mumbles and to eventually lose after leading 29-28 late on would have hurt.

There were positives though, Robbie Jones again excelling at full back and hooker Liam Wilkes slotting in on the wing and scoring. Despite missing a late penalty chance to win it, James Griffiths also looked something like his old self with some powerful running in midfield.

But they go to a Burry Port side with four wins from four, and The Seagulls can ill afford the slow start they had in Tycroes in their last away game.

Dafydd Ridgeway comes onto the win as Rhys Evans shifts to centre, while Andrew Williams plays at 10 with Mark Jones out. Mark George also starts in the back row after an impressive cameo off the bench last week.

Tip: With their record so far, Burry Port by 5.

Fishguard: Robbie Jones, Dafydd Ridgeway, Rhys Evans, James Griffiths, Ed Bendall, Andrew Williams, Daniel Evans, Ryan McVeigh, Gavin Walsh, Andrew Morrillo, Richie Hunter, Ben John, Scott Riches, Mark George, Chris Shousha (capt). Replacements: Liam Wilkes, Ryan Foot, Will Delaney, Osian Lewis, Simon James.

Tenby United v Loughor

I imagine Tenby head coach of Jonathan Evans is sick of the words 'narrow', 'agonising', and 'defeat' by now.

Yet again last week the Seasiders were left to reflect on one that got away in Pontyberem, 13-6 up second half only to lose 19-18.

So it sounds like deja vu when I say this is one they can target. 

Loughor won 14-10 at Tycroes on the opening day but have lost three on the bounce since then, and for tomorrow Lloyd Thomas will captain the hosts with Luke Dedman unavailable.

Harry Bolton replaces him and Luke Hansford also returns, with Andrew Cooke switching to No 8 in place of Jack Broadhurst. Jack Gooding and Adam Quill meanwhile, come into the three quarters with Joe Owen and Max Brindley also missing.

Tip: If they hold their nerve, Tenby by 7. If.....

Tenby United: Lloyd Thomas (capt), Jack Gooding, Ben Pugh, Adam Quill, Jack Tucker, Harry Rossiter, Matthew Morgan, Ethan Morgan, Dan Allen, Rob Luly, Huw Evans, Harry Bolton, Jack Brown, Luke Hansford, Andrew Cooke. Replacements: Rob Clarke, Jim Brace, Wyndham Williams, Jimmy Davies, Matt Davies.

Division Three West A:

St Clears v Cardigan

After back to back defeats St Clears notched a crucial 28-25 win in Llanybydder last week to get back on track.

And they start favourites here despite an resilient display from Cardigan against Aberaeron last week, Danny Bradshaw and Llyr Jones scoring tries in a 26-14 defeat.

That result suggests that can compete well here and the rain this week could make for a slug fest. 

But with home advantage, St Clears should prevail.

Tip: St Clears by 12.

St Davids v Tregaron

Tradtionally, St Davids run Tregaron close at home. But also traditionally, Tregaron still win.

And the visitors arrive in good form having hammered Llangwm 48-19 the week before, Aled Jones getting a try hat trick.

Yet again The Saints showed heart at Pembroke Dock to keep going despite playing the second half with 14 men, and while they will up things here and field a stronger side, they are yet to finish within 20 points of a side this season.

They may achieve that here, but winning will be difficult.

Tip: Tregaron by 10.

WRU Plate Round 2:

Llangennech v Crymych

Crymych played well to beat Gorseinon 30-10 last week, with two tries from youngster Jack Davies capping an assured all round display.

The Preseli Men also beat Llangennech 31-21 on the opening day so can be confident, but that was at home and their opponents have bounced back since.

They've won three straight league games and full back Tom Neale starred on Saturday with 17 points in their dramatic 47-35 win over Whitland.

I suspect they'll keep their run going here.

Tip: Llangennech by 10.

Maesteg Celtic v Whitland

After a good start this season Whitland have only played in patches last two weeks, and as a result suffered high scoring defeats to Newcastle Emlyn and Llangennech.

This is the chance to get back to winning ways with the pressure of the league off them, but it's a tricky tie.

Maesteg Celtic are only in Division Two West Central but have started well, winning three league games from four and beating Heol Y Cyw 32-11 on Saturday.

Olly Hughes and Aron Ebsworth come onto the wings for Whitland while Jac Howells plays at 9. There are changes in the front row with Aaron Mayne and Michael Ryan the starting props, while another change sees veteran Dai Ebsworth replace fellow veteran Raff Williams in the second row.

Plate ties are aways hard to gauge but on paper at least, Whitland are favourites.

Tip: Whitland by 10.

Whitland: James Stephenson, Olly Hughes, Jonathan Thomas, Josh Thomas, Aron Ebsworth, Nico Setaro, Jac Howells, Aaron Mayne, Gethin Lewis, Michael Ryan, Dai Ebsworth, Courtney Bowman, Ben Kirk, Jamie Lewis, James Thomas. Replacements: I Lewis, Tomos Lewis, Tom Finucane, Adam Davies, Josh Thomas.

WRU Bowl Round 2:

Llanybydder v Haverfordwest

Saturday was Haverfordwest's first true test of the season and they came through it admirably, beating Laugharne 27-0.

The boot of Mikey Jones was crucial with five penalties, and scrum half Elgan Roberts also impressed alongside him. And then The Blues get in the ascendancy up front - they have the backs to do damage.

From last week Unaia Balekinasiga switches to the wing and with Craig Barnett back at No 10, there is a new look centre partnership of Mike Jones and Dane Pindair. Jake Evans also comes in.

Last week's man of the match Elgan Roberts and full back Rhys Baker retain their starting places.

Only two changes in the pack though, with Jonathan Clout in the front row and Ashley George at No 8 in place on the injured Jon Mason.

The Bowl is one of those competitions that a number of sides can go far in if they concentrate on it properly. Steve Barnett will know that and won't want to see his side waste a chance to make round three.

Tip: Haverfordwest by 10.

Haverfordwest: Rhys Baker, Unaia Balekinasiga, Dane Pindair, Mike Jones, Jake Evans, Craig Barnett, Elgan Roberts, Jonathan Clout, Jamie Zambass, Tom Carrington, Jack Clancy, Gareth Phillips, Gareth John, Matty Phillips (capt), Ashley George. Replacements: Tony Steiner, Ashley James, Jamie Barnett, Ethan Parsons, Matthew Clayton.

Newtown v Aberaeron

It's a long trip for Aberaeron, but they go there on the back of that win in Cardigan where No 10 Rhodri Jenkins again showed his worth with 21 points.

Newtown will be an unknown quantity to them. They play in Division Two of the North Wales League set up and have won one of three games so far.

On that basis you'd expect the Seagulls to be favourites but a lot will depend on the strength of the squad that travels. And I do note via Twitter some members are currently out in Japan. Selfish.

But despite that they reached the quarter finals of the Bowl last year know so know all about winning cup games on the road......

Tip: Aberaeron to progress.

Wrexham v Laugharne

Laugharne's progress was halted by that loss in Haverfordwest last week, and they too face a long trek (or a great bus trip depending on how you look at it).

It's hard to judge the strength of Wrexham but they will be a test, having won three from three in Two North.

Again, I'll back Laugharne on the basis they travel strong.

Tip: Laugharne to go through. Could be a seriously good trip back if they do.