PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW
The Wanderers will hope to lay down a marker against a Black and Ambers side that has lost more than they have gained in playing strength since last term.
Champions Neath kick off their title defence at the Gnoll against last season’s Konica Minolta Cup winners Llanelli. At Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale will kick off their quest to improve on last season’s 11th place finish against a Cardiff side who have lost player of the year Dan McShane to Neath.
Last season’s Division One champions Maesteg will travel to Llandovery and though they will fancy their chances against a team that finished 14th last season, the Drovers are difficult to beat at their Church Bank ground.
Bedwas coaches Steve Law and Ian Gardner had a fine season last year and know that an improvement in home form could deliver a top-half finish this season. A home win beckons over a Cross Keys side who have lost bright young hooker Gerwyn Price and experienced prop Darren Crimmins.
Aberavon travel to Carmarthen Quins in a tie that could go either way. Former Wales centre Kevin Hopkins had a solid first season in charge of the Wizards and has recruited some fast, young backs to his side. The Quins meanwhile were always well-placed last year but much will depend on the progress of youngsters in the pack.
At the Brewery Field, Bridgend play host to Swansea and should triumph over an All-White squad that finished six places below the Ravens last season and has suffered a number of departures over the summer.
Simon King’s Pontypridd travel to Pontypool and should start the season with a win. Veteran forward Dale McIntosh will lead a side tipped for a top three finish against a Pontypool side that has seen many changes over the summer.
