Hywel's barred from the bookies following his recent success
My sincere thanks to Eifion for stepping into the breach this week as our guest pundit for Div 1 North. He has given sterling service to our game in North and Mid Wales and is always ready and willing to support rugby and help in any way he can whatever the task in hand. Those who remember his playing days will recall that whilst not a big man compared to today's hooker specimens he was as tough and hard as the famous oak of his native Montgomeryshire. I am sure you will enjoy reading his interesting profile and his predictions.
Hywel
Eifion Harding. (Profile)
In around 1969/70 Newtown High appointed a new P.E. teacher, Mr Geraint Evans, both Welsh speaking and into Rugby. Its just dawned on me that he has a lot to answer for, for that's where this nigh on fifty years of involvement with Rugby began. Like Steve McCabe, albeit with Denbigh High and Rhuthin 3ds, I'd play for the school on Saturday mornings and then turn out for Newtown seconds in the afternoon. I once represented the firsts at Harlech and you can just imagine how quickly Hooker Trefor Roberts started licking his lips when faced with a nine stone weakling packing down opposite. The least said about that encounter the better.
Three years of rugby at Bangor Normal followed under the guidance of Mr Jim 'link up' Davies and then two years in the comparative rugby wilderness of LLanfyllin.
On returning to the Caernarfon area in 1979 I joined the Cofis and there then followed an eighteen year unbroken playing stint, resulting in me probably having worn the club shirt as many times as anyone. Like with all teams there were ups and downs from season to season, the downs, mostly linked to a few seasons travelling to away matches down south every fortnight, that really eat in to quality time with the family.
The highlight on the other hand being a take against the head against no other than Robin McBryde to reach the North Wales Cup Final where sadly Frank Jarvis was not as generous. Playing for Gwynedd and a few other representative sides were also another highlight, for one made lifetime friends along the way. Friends, more often than not, with those on the pitch that would be totally unrelenting. Huw, Bryn Gwyn, Bala, stood out as one who punched way above his weight and the wry smile on Dolgellau's Trebor Davies was always one that you could well do without witnessing.
When I stood down, the Cofi shirt was picked up by my daughters, all three having represented the club at Senior level. Cenin also took up the mantle of coaching and the recently formed RGC under 18 squad has benefited from the dedicated input that she and others have so unselfishly offered to promote Ladies and Girls rugby.
Nowadays, apart from attempting to support and develop women's rugby further, I parade up and down touchlines attempting to give a fairly impartial view of the afternoons proceedings featuring Caernarfon, that Gary and the local rags, to date, are thankfully willing to publish.
Round Up and Predictions for Saturday, 18th, November, 2017.
Initially I thought that this would be quite an easy task but I can assure you that I have changed my mind on countless occasions, I therefore raise my hat to Hywel who's success rate is very impressive.
The mid point as regards the league is fast approaching so a number of teams I trust will strive to be in a favourable position by then.
Last Saturday's games were depleted, with only three surviving. Mold gave league leaders Pwllheli a stern test and it was nice to see Bethesda record their first win of this campaign. Bro also got back to winning ways with a gritty performance against Rhuthin.
This Saturday there are some very tasty encounters from a top of the table clash to some interesting local derby's.
Bro Ffestiniog will host Bala, a mouth-watering encounter if ever there was one. Bro on their day are capable of causing a few upsets with a heavy and solid pack generating decent ball but the stats afforded to Bala are impressive having scored 236 points to date. Although close I favour an away win, believing that Bala will perform as well as they did whilst singing in Cardiff last Saturday.
Colwyn Bay are set to entertain Dolgellau with both desperate to ensure some league points. Dolgellau's recent form should give them heart, taking two points from the 38 -31 loss at Caernarfon and being within striking distance on numerous other occasions. The Bay on the other hand will crave for a performance like the one that saw them take the spoils against Bro. There could be a losing bonus for someone here but I take Dolgellau to cross the finish line first.
Llandudno have only lost at home to Bala and Nant Conwy, with the scalp of Mold and Bro being taken on their travels. They may view this encounter as a certainty if taking into account Bethesda's season to date. But Bethesda are a team that you underestimate at your peril. They performed well at the Morfa when facing Caernarfon in the Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup first round and went on to beat the Cofis at Dol Dafydd last Saturday. I trust that the Quarrymen will come out all guns blazing but Llandudno may have too much in the tank in the later stages. Llandudno by a short length here I trust.
Two teams with very similar records will face each other at Cae Smyrna. Llangefni with their (P8-W5-L3) will attempt to push on from this solid base but will be aware that Mold have very similar statistics of their own and have done better against some of the leading teams, Pwllheli last week being a fine example. Another close call but I fancy an away win if Mold are buoyed by last weeks fine effort.
Rhuthin entertain Caernarfon who have found the going difficult of late, although attempting to play an expansive game. Injuries to key players have seen the total points scored against them increasing, although they are capable on their day of unlocking most defence's. Rhuthin however have an impressive home record and I trust that the record will be preserved come Saturday afternoon.
That therefore brings me to the final encounter, Pwllheli v Nant Conwy. Although other teams, especially Bala, who have taken a losing bonus off both may disagree, the league sadly appears to be heading for a two horse race once again. Recent results would favour Nant since some of Pwllheli's recent encounters have been closer than anticipated, however when the LLŷn men have their backs to the wall they have to date been able to regroup and take the spoils.
This Saturday I am going for an away win to make the viewing of the league table that much more interesting if nothing else.
In summary :-
Bro v Bala (away win)
Colwyn Bay v Dolgellau (away win)
Llandudno v Bethesda (home win)
Llangefni v Mold (away win)
Pwllheli v Nant Conwy (away win)
Rhuthin v Caernarfon (home win)
(Four away wins!!!, its only happened once this season)
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