Full league programme again this week, tight matches and close calls, not easy to predict.
Round up.
Despite the atrocious weather there were only two postponements last week. It appears that Div 3 are made of sterner stuff with no games cancelled. A word of appreciation to our referees who despite the difficult conditions which makes their job much more difficult they carry out their work efficiently and with good humour--we are indebted to them for their commitment.
In DIV 1 there were no real surprises (yet another 100%) but leaders Nant supporters' hearts missed a beat when they heard that their heroes were down at half time at Dolgellau, but they were back to normal after Caron Davies touched down to give them a 14-9 victory giving Dol their 6th losing bonus point of the season.
Second place Bala's game at Caernarfon was called off due to a waterlogged pitch--the Cofis have the third highest bonus points (9) in the league and these bolster their 8th position in the table. There is no doubt that Bonus points will be critical factor at both ends of the table at the end of the season.
Llandudno maintained their good form with a 33-0 home win against Bro who have dropped to 10th. My former Player of the Season (2015/16) Ryan Pike grabbing the headlines with a MOM performance.
There was a cracking match at Dol Ddafydd where Bethesda won a closely fought encounter 13-10 against a strong Mold XV. The win eases Pesda's relegation woes climbing to 9th position. Victory was achieved with two well taken tries and vociferous support from the home crowd which saw their team closing the game down after two yellow cards reduced them to 13 men in the final stages.
Llangefni are back on track after a big win at Colwyn Bay-prop Rhodri Owen bagging 4 tries for 'hogia gwlad y medra'.
Pwllheli had a bonus point 26-8 win at Rhuthun in an entertaining match, Ianto Parri going over for the try bonus point at the death.
In DIV 2 all bets are off, CR Dinbych are now 25 points ahead in the table after another big home win against Bangor. I understand that there are moves afoot to 'handicap' Dinbych with a -30 points per game --the bad news is that if that was applied to their games so far this season it would mean that their lead would only reduce to 24points!!!. There were smiling faces at Pentre Mawr when Abergele secured their second win of the season, whilst at Maesydre Welshpool had a notable victory against Rhyl. One of our top referees Dylan Llyr officiated in near arctic conditions at Meifod in the tussle between 4th place COBRA and 3rd place Wrexham-the Montgomeryshire outfit coming out on top 18-6 to avenge their defeat at Bryn Estyn earlier in the season.
In DIV 3 leaders Holyhead maintained their form with a home win against Dinbych 2nds. Second place Teirw Nant 2 points behind won 36-5 at home against a battling Flint side. Big win for Pwllheli 2nds at Mold, Menai Bridge came away from Rhos with the spoils and Mach won a closely fought contest at home to Benllech.
My DIV 1 predictions this week are as follows--
Llandudno (P12 W8 L4) who have won 4 games on the trot travel to 2nd place Bala (P13 W10 L3). The home side won the reverse fixture 29-19 and whilst a fully loaded Tudno side will take the Maes Gwyniad boys all the way-I will go for a Home win.
Bro (P12 W4 L8) who have dropped to 10th place following last Saturday's defeat at Llandudno host bottom club Colwyn Bay. They will underestimate Bay at their peril as the visitors comfortably won the corresponding match 37-10-their only win of the season so far. Bro will be keen to avenge this defeat and with home advantage I back them to take the points.
An intriguing contest at the Marian when Dolgellau host 7th place Rhuthun (P15 W7 L8). The visitors won 15-7 in a close match at Cae Ddol and have been going well. Dol with 6 losing bonus points will feel that they are overdue for a W. They took leaders Nant close last week and I have a Home win on my card.
There will be real buzz and anticipation at Cae Smyrna when Llangefni (P13 W9 L4) take on current champions Pwllheli (P12 W11 L1). The islanders gave a good account of themselves before losing out 31-12 at Bodegroes. Both teams come into the match on the back of good wins-could be close but the visitors may have the edge.
Caernarfon (8th) (P12 W3 L9) without any action for two weeks make the journey along the A55 to Mold (P14 W7 L7) who will be smarting from a defeat on the road at Bethesda last time out. Mold won 34-22at the Morfa earlier in the season and again I go for a Home win.
Leaders Nant (P14 W13 L1) welcome old foes Bethesda (P14 W4 L10) who have climbed to 9th position to Pant Carw.The leaders who are in excellent form won 34-5 at Dol Ddafydd and a rejuvenated Pesda side face a difficult task to topple the league frontrunners. Form dictates a Home win.
In DIV 2 runaway leaders Dinbych travel to Newtown whilst second place Shotton entertain another mid wales side Llanidloes.
In DIV3 My' match of the day ' is the 'Showdown at Pant Carw' when Teirw Nant in second place take on leaders Holyhead. There are two points between them and if the game is anything like their previous encounter when the Harbourmen won 23-15 we will be in for a treat.
Hywel
ps Had a great Sunday afternoon at COBRA's annual dinner with guest Shane, great atmosphere, meeting old friends, excellent company and a Full Monty of Mwynder Maldwyn.
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