At the Brewery Field Bridgend take on reigning champions Neath in a match that pits second against first in the table. The New Year’s Eve clash promises to be one of the games of the season as the two form teams in Wales go head to head.
The Welsh All Blacks hold a three point advantage over the Ravens and can also boast a game in hand. But coach Chris Stephens has formed an impressive outfit at the Brewery Field that look like real contenders for the title. Saturday’s game will be the ultimate test of their title credentials however and will reveal whether or not the Ravens have what it takes to steal the crown.
Llandovery and Llanelli go head to head at Church Bank with the sides separated by 15 points in the table. The Drovers have had a miserable start to their season and will be glad to see the back of 2005. Llanelli added the Welsh Cup to their trophy cabinet in the first half of 2005 but a shock defeat to the Church Bank side ended any hopes of retaining it.
Max Howells will now focus his attentions on the league in the New Year and will want to finish as high as possible. The Drovers will look to make the most of home advantage in this clash but Llanelli will be desperate for revenge following their Welsh Cup exit.
At Sardis Road third-placed Pontypridd take on second from bottom Cardiff and Simon King will demand a professional performance from his players with his eyes still set on the championship. Pontypridd are just six points adrift of leaders Neath and only three points behind second placed Bridgend. With those sides going head to head Ponty have the chance to make up ground at the top and keep the title dream alive into 2006.
On the coast Swansea play host to bottom-placed Carmarthen having moved away from the foot of the league in recent weeks. Still only six points ahead of Carmarthen, Swansea will want a win against the Quins to consolidate their position.
Monday, 02 January 2006
At Pandy Park fifth-placed Cross Keys entertain Pontypool with the sides suffering mixed fortunes over Christmas. The Keys earned a notable win over Newport at Rodney Parade whilst Pooler went down 14-27 at home to Ebbw Vale. A well-drilled Keys outfit may prove too strong at home for visiting Pontypool and should register their first win of the New Year.
Ebbw Vale welcome Newport to Eugene Cross Park with the sides 18 points apart in the league. The gulf in class should shine through with Newport likely to make it an unhappy New Year for the Steelmen.
Glamorgan Wanderers and Bedwas clash at the Memorial Ground in a tie that could go either way. The Wanderers have performed well in recent outings, even if results suggest otherwise, and are due a slice of luck.
Bedwas may be visiting the Memorial Ground at just the wrong time and the Wanderers will hope to make it a trip their rivals will want to forget.
Aberavon welcome Maesteg to the Talbot Athletic Ground with the Wizards in need of three points to keep in touch with the league’s front runners. Aberavon are in fourth spot, nine points adrift of Neath, and will need to continue their recent run of good form if there are to challenge for the championship in the new year.
Saturday, 31 December 2005
Bridgend v Neath, 14:30
Llandovery v Llanelli, 14:30
Pontypridd v Cardiff, 13:00
Swansea v Carmarthen, 13:00
Monday, 02 January 2006
Aberavon v Maesteg, 14:30
Cross Keys v Pontypool, 14:30
Ebbw Vale v Newport, 14:30
Glamorgan Wanderers v Bedwas, 14:30
