PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW

Pontypool head to Rodney Parade this Friday hoping to build on last weekend’s 13-12 victory over Cardiff. Pooler clash with fifth-placed Newport, who edged out Ebbw Vale 16-13 last time out, with their eyes firmly fixed on the Black and Ambers’s scalp.

Top-of-the-table Neath travel to Maesteg with the sides separated by 21 points in the league. But recent results have propelled the Old Parish towards mid-table and they will approach this game full of confidence. Maesteg have already upset Welsh Cup-holders Llanelli this season with a 45-8 humbling at Llynfi Road and would love to be a thorn in the side of the reigning champions.

Bridgend welcome Aberavon to the Brewery Field with the sides having experienced mixed fortunes in their previous outings. The Ravens won away to Llandovery last Friday whilst the Wizards lost 31-13 to Llanelli at Stradey Park. Aberavon are still three points clear of Pontypridd and Bridgend but lost out on the chance to go level with leaders Neath. And the Wizards will be keen to keep the chasing pack at arms length and keep the pressure on the Welsh All
Blacks.

At Sardis Road Pontypridd go head to head with Glamorgan Wanderers who narrowly lost out to Cross Keys last weekend. Pontypridd’s clash with Ebbw Vale was postponed which leaves them three points behind Aberavon but with a game in hand. And although the Wanderers sit proudly in mid-table Pontypridd will hope to take advantage of their game in hand and keep the pressure on the teams at the top.

Ebbw Vale front up to Cross Keys at Eugene Cross Park with the two teams a world apart in the league. The Steelmen are floundering in second-from bottom on just six points while the Keys are in sixth, just three points from third position. Widely tipped for an improvement on last season’s 11th place finish, Ebbw Vale have so far failed to deliver. Meanwhile, the Lloyd and Beale partnership at Pandy Park has worked wonders and ensures the Keys are still challenging for the top spots.

Bedwas play host to Cardiff at Bridge Field as they seek to reduce the eight-point gap between themselves and Llanelli who occupy the position above them. And bottom-placed Llandovery take on Swansea with the Drovers still desperate for a second win of the season.