PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW
And coach Simon King takes his side to Swansea in round six of the premiership this weekend hoping to inflict further misery on a side still looking for their first points of the season.
Reigning champions Neath travel to Newport this Saturday on the back of an impressive 45-0 hammering of unbeaten Cross Keys. The Welsh All Blacks scored seven tries against a table-topping Keys outfit who had not conceded a try this season. Previously unbeaten Newport also lost their unbeaten record last weekend when they were humbled 39-7 at Aberavon. And with both sides tipped for a successful season the Rodney Parade clash promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
At Pandy Park, Cross Keys entertain an Aberavon side riding high after last weekend’s impressive display against Newport. Nicky Lloyd and Robert Beale are charged with lifting a Keys side who were left reeling from last week’s mauling at the hands of Neath. Many lessons can be learned from the defeat by the reigning champions but the Keys need a quick return to winning ways if they are to launch a serious bid for the title.
Cardiff host Llandovery at the Arms Park still searching for a first win of the new season. After five defeats in five, coach Howard Stone must lift the morale of a Cardiff outfit who are joined by local rivals Swansea at the foot of the table. A win against Llandovery on Saturday is not out of the question with the Drovers also struggling to find form this term with just one win from five.
Unbeaten Bridgend travel to Ebbw Vale with the title dream seemingly continuing indefinitely for the Ravens. Five wins in five puts Bridgend joint top together with the league’s only other unbeaten side, Pontypridd. And coach Chris Stephens knows his side need a win to keep the pressure on Pontypridd who will most likely leave Swansea with the spoils from their game on Saturday.
Principality Building Society Premiership newcomers Glamorgan Wanderers and Maesteg are both off the mark after a shaky start to the season and both will look to take points from their games this weekend. The Wanderers welcome Carmarthen Quins to the Memorial Ground and the Old Parish front up to Pontypool at Llynfi Road. Elsewhere, Konica Minolta cup-holders Llanelli travel to Bedwas.