The current spell of 'global warming' permitting we are back to full and exciting league action on Saturday.
Let get it over with, after a promising start our 6 Nations aspirations are in tatters -it does not matter how you look at it. Early defensive lapses and a dodgy decision cost us dearly at Twickenham but we were bossed and bullied at Dublin. We should beat Italy and make a game of it against the French. It is always so disappointing to be out of contention with two games still to play. No worries, regardless of our national woes our precious community rugby game rolls on - we have now reached the semis of our Conwy Land Rover North Wales comps, after some great matches with some mouth watering ties to look forward to. Our thanks must go to Conwy Land Rover, the organisational skills of Austin and Caws plus of course Stuart's dedication to ensure the continuance of this great and popular competition.
This Saturday we have action packed fixtures which could turn out to be crucial in title races, relegation positions and the 'also rans'.
DIVISION 1
First up is the clash at Maes Gwyniad between current champions Pwllheli (P14 W13 L1) who are in 2nd place against the hosts Bala 3rd place (P15 W11L4. Both teams played last week under lights, the visitors coming away from Bro with a bonus point after being behind at the break. Bala were comfortable 27-7 winners at Rhuthun in the Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup quarters. It was a nail biting 20-19 victory for Pwllheli at Bodegroes earlier in the season and it will be close again. The champions will need to overcome the free scoring home outfit to keep their title hopes alive. Great match in prospect - Pwllheli by a head.
At the other end of the table 9th placed Bethesda (P16 W5 L11) host 7th place Rhuthun (P17 W7 L10) at Dol Ddafydd. The visitors have fallen off the pace with 4 successive defeats and are badly in need of a W to steer clear of relegation trouble. Pesda have shown improved form of late and will look to avenge the 33-22 loss at Cae Ddol. The home side should have the confidence to take the valuable points on offer-but it won't be easy against the determined visitors.
Llangefni (P14 W10 L4) comfortable in 5th place travel to Bro (P14 W4 L10) who sit uncomfortably in second from bottom position. These two sides served a classic at Cae Smyrna earlier in the season when Cefni won 25-24. They both played last week Cefni beating Caernarfon 17-15 in the NWCup whilst Bro went down at home to
Pwllheli after being ahead at half time. Another close contest, a must win for the Quarrymen but my form book suggests an away win.
There are the makings of a real battle at the Morfa when the Cofis (P14 W4 L11) who are in 8th position welcome 10th place Dolgellau (P15 W3 L12). The Cofis have only had one league win at home this season and that was the 38-31 success against Dol in the reverse fixture.. This could be a close tense affair with a lot at stake for both sides, could easily go either way, we have not yet had a draw in the league so far this season this could be it but on reflection I will go for the Cofis.
Bottom club Colwyn Bay make the journey to Wrexham Road to face 6th placed Mold (P16 W7 L9). The hosts had a comfortable 39-0 win at Brookfield Road earlier in the season and whilst they have lost three on the trot they should have enough to take the points.
An intriguing clash at Pant Carw when leaders Nant (P16 W15 L1) entertain 4th placed Llandudno (P14 W11 L4). These two met recently in the Conwy Land Rover NWCup quarters when Nant were victorious in a tight game. Nant also won 38-17 at Maesdu Road earlier in the season. Tudno have climbed steadily up the table with some great performances on the back of 5 successive wins. and the hosts will have to be at their best to win and stay on track for the coveted league title. They have another massive challenge next week at Pant Carw when they take on the mighty Maesteg Quins in the WRU Plate quarters. The visitors will make life difficult for them but form suggests a home win on Saturday.
DIVISION 2
Match of the day is the long awaited clash between runaway leaders CRDinbych and second placed Shotton. Wrexham will be keen to stay in touch with the leaders and face a stern test when 5th place Rhyl visit Bryn Estyn. Llanidloes fresh from their Intermediate Cup win against fancied COBRA travel to bottom club Abergele who have shown improved form of late. Old rivalries will come to the fore at Newtown when Welshpool come calling - it was an exciting 22-20 home win last time in the Cup and the Maesydre outfit will be all out to bag the points which could see them overtake their rivals in the table. Bangor will fancy their chances at home to Llangollen.
DIVISION 3
Top match on Saturday will be the encounter between 2nd place Holyhead and 3rd place Pwllheli 2nds. The Harbourmen won at Bodegroes and will be keen to repeat that success to guarantee at least second position in what has been a great season for them. League leaders Teirw Nant have 3 games left and if they take the spoils on Saturday home to Rhos the title and promotion to Div 2 will be a step nearer.
The exploits of two of our Youth sides seem to have fallen below the radar in recent weeks. Colwyn Bay youngsters lost gallantly 21-16 in the WRU Youth Bowl quarters away against a very strong St Julian HSOB side who are top of their league. Meanwhile Dolgellau Youths are through to the WRU Plate semis following a great 8-5 home win against a much fancied Bargoed side. The Dol boys have been drawn against Tondu in the semi final on the 26th March. Da iawn hogia a phob dymuniad da a llwyddiant yn erbyn Tondu.
Hywel
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