The fixtures are out, pre season training has already started in earnest with coaches busy arranging friendlies to make sure their charges are ready for the off!. Hopes and expectations are high-- Saturday 5th September is the day when all our three Divisions start their campaigns for next season.
Only 6 weeks to go before the big kick off-- Hywel's review and predictions
The fixtures are out, pre season training has already started in earnest with coaches busy arranging friendlies to make sure their charges are ready for the off!. Hopes and expectations are high-- Saturday 5th September is the day when all our three Divisions start their campaigns for next season.
DIVISION 1
Last season battle for honours in DIVISION 1 turned out to be an epic contest between the two front runners from the start Pwllheli and Nant Conwy. The Lleyn boys, the league's top scorers, clinching the title with consistent winning displays to the end with only one defeat throughout the season. Nant consoled themselves by adding yet another North Wales Cup to their trophy cabinet when they were victorious in a memorable final against a very committed Dolgellau at Parc Eirias.
I predict that Nant and Pwllheli will be in the mix for the top spot next season, but who will challenge them for the coveted title in what will be remembered as the World Cup season?.
Bala who boasted the best defensive record in the league will provide more than very stiff opposition and free scoring Bethesda who accumulated 11 bonus points last season should also feature --they both have strong squads and match winners in key positions but will look for the required consistency to mount a title challenge.
Talking about consistency, both Mold and Rhuthin had topsy turvy seasons but there are signs that these teams have regrouped in the close season and given a good start they will be formidable opponents and could feature in the top 3.
A young and well drilled Llandudno side were very impressive and should continue to make progress-they have talented players and are well coached.
COBRA achieved some notable scalps and will look to improve their W11 L11 record this season with better away performances-their first match away to Champions Pwllheli will be a good test!.
Caernarfon by their own high standards have under performed but have the resources both on and off the field to bounce back and be amongst the leaders.
Dolgellau finished the season very strongly which bodes well for the coming campaign. Newcomers Abergele and Llangefni will know that there are no easy games at this level and will need to get quickly into their stride and consolidate their positions.
As usual there will be a few surprises but we are guaranteed of yet another season of exciting rugby --my top 3 in alphabetical order BALA ,NANT and PWLLHELI.
DIVISION 2
If Division 1 was a two horse race -DIVISION 2 was a three horse affair with gallant Colwyn Bay pipped at the promotion post by Abergele and Llangefni. The two relegated sides Bro Ffestiniog and Dinbych should feature in the promotion stakes and they could be joined by Colwyn Bay. It will be interesting to see how promoted Llanidloes get on at this level -they beat Menai Bridge in Intermediate Final and they could prove to be dark horses --I would also put Machynlleth and Harlech(who narrowly lost out to Abergele in Cup final) in this category as they are fully capable of upsetting the form book. The remaining sides,Shotton,Wrexham,Menai Bridge and newly promoted Fflint will all strive to keep in the pack and challenge for the top positions. A nice gesture by Dinbych when they tweeted Fflint to welcome them as hosts for their first Div 2 fixture-great to see.
My top 3 in alphabetical order Bro, Colwyn Bay and Dinbych--its up to the rest of the clubs to prove me wrong!.
DIVISION 3
DIVISION 3 will only have 9 teams next season and unfortunately one of the clubs will have free Saturday-- I know clubs will bear this in mind and help out with a fixture to try and ensure as many games as possible are played.
Relegated sides Rhyl and Newtown could vie for the title with Llangollen, with Bangor and Rhos with an outside chance of getting to to the top three. Welshpool, Benllech,Porthmadog and Holyhead will invariably cause one or two upsets and you never know may provide the biggest shock of the season.
Roll on September the 5th --best wishes to you all for next season.
Hywel
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