Hywel reviews all the leagues opening games of the season, and previews ( predictions )of this week's action Saturday 9th September KO 2.30
Last week's openers went off with a bang with some great matches in all three Divisions. The bookies were saved in my Div 1 predictions by Rhuthun's victory over Llandudno, spoiling my full house.
The big 'two' Pwllheli and Nant got off to bonus point starts and this week they take part in last season' top four battles' when they take on Caernarfon and Bala respectively -mouth watering encounters to look forward to.
In Div 2 promotion contenders Dinbych and Shotton showed their intentions with emphatic victories in their opening matches. Bangor overcame visitors Newtown and Abergele took the points at Llangollen. There are some great derbies lined up this Saturday.The highlight in Div 3 was Holyhead 61-0 win against Rhos. The second team contingent in the League Dinbych , Nant and Pwllheli all won whilst Menai Bridge had a great start with a win at Mold 2nds.
This Saturday's fixtures have a 'local derby' flavour which with bragging rights and local pride elements to contend with makes 'predicting' more difficult, but I do not expect any sympathy so here goes my predictions for Week 2 in Div 1 North.
Newly promoted Llangefni make their way to Dol Ddafydd Bethesda on the back of a big win against fellow promotees Dolgellau. Pesda performed well at Pwllheli but were undone by some clinical finishing by the champions.The hosts won 23-20 in a very close game when Cefni last visited in the league. It could be close again but I take the Quarrymen to edge it.
An open and running game is on the cards at Y Morfa when old foes Pwllheli take on the Cofis. They both won their opening matches and the Lleyn boys were 27-10 winners last time in the league. The champions will have to be at their best to repeat their victory in December.
Bro travel down the A470 to take on neighbours Dolgellau. The newly promoted hosts were well beaten in their opener at Llangefni whilst Bro lost out at home to Nant. In addition to local rivalry both teams will be keen to get their first win under their belt . It could be a tense affair with home advantage coming into the equation. Dol won 27-5 in the last league encounter in Jan 2015.
Big local derby at Maesdu Road when Llandudno host long term rivals Colwyn Bay .Both teams lost their opening matches and will be keen to get their season started. Tudno won comfortably 22-5 in corresponding match and whilst it may be a closer margin the hosts should take the points.
Yet another great local derby when Rhuthun travel to Mold . The visitors had a good home win against Llandudno in their opening fixture whilst Mold lost out in a hard fought encounter at Bala. The hosts were 17-5 winners last time , could be close but I see Mold edging it.
My match of the day is at Pant Carw where Nant host Bala. The visitors saw off Mold last week at Maes Gwyniad whilst Nant had a bonus point win at Bro.It is always a close tussle between these old rivals and we are in for an entertaining afternoon. Nant won 31-16 last season , it may be closer this time but on balance I go for a home win.
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