Narberth, Carmarthen Athletic and UWIC may prove the leaders for varying reasons. UWIC coaches Chris Davey and David Manley will have a ‘captive’ squad of fit and mostly proven young students; Narberth have several ‘big’ names who they must hope to cling to and the Athletic arrive as division Two champions with a settled squad.
Not far behind them will be Llanharan, for whom Denis John excelled as coach in his first season. He has lost Richard Johnston to Neath, but the wily former Pontypridd coach has already brought out the best in players such as Phil Wheeler, Mark Roper and Matthew Rowlands and is only short of a proven goalkicker.
With a possible four to be relegated, the likes of Rumney, Bonymaen and Treorchy will look to youth to hold on this season and gain in experience. Rumney coach Shaun Lee, himself a one-club man, said, “We will look to home-grown players as we know that several have left from last season to Bedwas and Pontypridd in particular.
“The team played with a great spirit and the fact that we, just as Bonymaen, run sides at all age-levels will be our strength. I would like, however, to see local players from lower clubs here for training as it will offer them a springboard to the highest grade of rugby. We wish those who are going all the best, as we do to any player who wants to better himself.”
Rumney and Treorchy will meet in an opening round of games that will also feature Narberth against Llanharan. Oddly, only Llangennech of the promoted five clubs will meet new opposition, as they entertain Bonymaen, who they dismissed from the semi-finals of the Tovali Cup last season.
