There’s a full weekend of local rugby fixtures as teams look to make a strong start to their campaigns, writes Gary Williams.
Colwyn Bay will arrive in Welshpool still smarting from last week’s narrow defeat at neighbours Rhyl, a result which surprised many. This will be Pool’s second league game of the season and they will be looking for that all-important win to keep in touch with the current leaders Dolgellau and Nant 2nds, both having played more games.
Welshpool’s Head Coach, Daley Jones, said: “It’s early days but, after a hard-fought win at Newtown, we know how important every home game is and for us to be challenging for honours, we have to take points in all of these.
“There isn’t an easy game in this Division and we expect Colwyn Bay to make us scrap and fight for every point. We’re looking forward to it and we’ll be happy with a nail-biter as long as we come out on top.”
Newtown, who have suffered two defeats in their opening games, will be looking to kick start their season when Caernarfon Athletic visit The Rec. The visitors have had more than 40 points put past them in each of their opening two games and it’s difficult to see anything other than a home win.
Machynlleth have certainly come down to earth with a bump after gaining promotion from Division 3 last season. Two defeats in their opening pair of games has them firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and they need to take points of some sort when they host Rhyl and District.
In Division One North, COBRA take on Bethesda at Cae Meifod. After winning their last two games, the North Wales visitors will arrive in confident mood but, on their home patch, COBRA, if they play to their best, will be a formidable opposition. A close one to call.
In Division Three North East, Llanidloes, unbeaten after two games, will be relishing the visit of Denbigh Athletic and more points in the bag. There is an air of confidence around Cae Hafren and I suspect this will be a comfortable home win.
With all the teams enjoying home advantage it could be a profitable afternoon for the Mid Wales clubs.
North Wales Division One
COBRA v Bethesda
North Wales Division Two
Welshpool v Colwyn Bay
Machynlleth v Rhyl & District
Newtown v Caernarfon Athletic
North Wales Division 3 North East
Llanidloes v Dinbych Athletic