PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP NEWS

Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins square up for a Boxing Day battle as both sides look to leave 2005 and the relegation zone behind them.
Both clubs anchor the Welsh Premiership table with three wins from 14 games, and they know a victory at the Church Bank ground on Monday will kick them clear of their opponents and fellow strugglers Ebbw Vale and Cardiff.

Llandovery go into the match as slight favourites after a morale-boosting 29-7 win over Pontypool last weekend, while Quins were comfortably beaten at home by Newport.

At the other of the table, the Gnoll will play host to a first-against-fourth battle as champions Neath host near-neighbours and arch-rivals Aberavon. The Welsh All Blacks are three points clear of Bridgend with a game in hand, but know they can’t afford to relax against the well-performed Wizards.

Bridgend will look to keep the pressure on by returning from Maesteg with the points, while third-placed Pontypridd have a tricky trip to Bedwas to deal with. In other matches, Newport host Cross Keys at Rodney Parade, while Pontypool are at home to Ebbw Vale.
Llanelli host Swansea at Stradey Park on Saturday.

Festive Fixtures:
Thursday, 22 December 2005
Cardiff v Glamorgan Wanderers, 19:15
Saturday, 24 December 2005
Llanelli v Swansea, 14:30
Monday, 26 December 2005
Bedwas v Pontypridd, 14:30
Carmarthen v Llandovery, 14:30
Maesteg v Bridgend, 14:30
Neath v Aberavon, 14:30
Newport v Cross Keys, 14:30
Pontypool v Ebbw Vale, 14:30