PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP NEWS
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There are three games in the Welsh Premiership this weekend with Neath, Aberavon and Newport all at home.
Reigning Champions Neath play host to Pontypool at the Gnoll as they seek to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Fourth-placed Aberavon welcome a struggling Ebbw Vale outfit to the Talbot Athletic Ground with three points a must if they are to sustain their challenge for the title.
And at Rodney Parade Newport entertain Llandovery with any title dreams long since banished and a top-three finish unlikely.
League-leaders Neath are currently six points clear of nearest rivals Bridgend with two games in hand.
The Welsh All Black’s run-in to the end of the season pits them against the Ravens at the Gnoll on the penultimate weekend of the season in a clash that could see the winners crowned Champions.
Neath must also face Premiership new-boys Maesteg twice, including a trip to Llynfi Road on St David’s Day, and have tricky games against Swansea, Pontypool and Bedwas.
The Ravens have a potentially difficult end to their season with games against third-placed Pontypridd, fourth-placed Aberavon, Welsh Cup winners Llanelli and Newport.
But former Wales lock-turned coach Chris Stephens has kept Bridgend in the race for the title since day one – even getting on the score sheet himself – and would be unlucky not to improve on last season’s third place.
Also in contention for the league’s top spot are Simon King’s Pontypridd whose remaining fixtures include Cross Keys and Ebbw Vale at home and Newport, Glamorgan Wanderers and Cardiff away.
Having to play the league’s bottom three clubs – Cardiff, Ebbw Vale and Glamorgan Wanderers – could prove difficult for Pontypridd.
King must ensure his side do not underestimate the hunger of those teams fighting for their top flight status and must ensure they match it if they are to avoid embarrassment.
Level on points with Pontypridd are Aberavon, who boast games in hand over Bridgend and Pontypridd and cannot be discounted from the title race.
The Wizards have dazzled the Premiership with some spectacular rugby this season but need consistency if they are to challenge for the highest honours.
Aberavon must take on both Neath and Bridgend in their final games as well as potential banana skins against Ebbw Vale, Swansea and Glamorgan Wanderers.
With four teams in the chase for the Championship, this season’s climax promises to be as thrilling and gut-wrenching as ever.
Expect twists and turns, shocks and surprises, not to mention some excellent rugby as the 2005/2006 Welsh Premiership season draws to a close.
