Preview: Principality Premiership
The results of a Welsh Rugby Union Disciplinary Sub Committee meeting held at the Millennium Stadium on Tuesday, 4 December, are:
The Steelmen continue to set the league alight as this season’s surprise contenders for the championship title. With title-holders Neath hitting form again and Pontypridd knocking on the door in second place, Ebbw Vale must prove they can perform under the greatest pressure. Fourth from bottom Bedwas have it all to play for and will be targeting a seventh win of the season as they look to avoid the ensuing relegation dogfight.
The Gnoll is the setting for Neath’s clash with struggling Llandovery as the Welsh All Blacks aim to keep in touch with leaders Ebbw Vale. Rowland Phillips’s side are six points adrift of Ebbw Vale but two titles in two seasons show they are capable of pouncing if the Steelmen slip up. The misery continues for the Drovers, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table, three points behind Maesteg who have a game in hand. A win against the Champions on Saturday is unlikely but Llandovery will soon be looking for miracles if they cannot find a win.
High-flying Newport clash with second placed Pontypridd at Rodney Parade in what promises to be a hotly-contested encounter. The Black and Ambers are two points behind Ponty and a win on Saturday could propel them into the title race. However, three points for Simon King’s side could all but rule Newport out of the chase for top honours which would leave Ponty in contention to oust Ebbw Vale.
Bridgend go head-to-head with Aberavon with the teams separated by just one point in the table. This fixture pits two closely matched teams who are capable of out-playing anyone on their day. Fans should expect fireworks at the Brewery Field as both sides seek to recapture the form that saw them both challenging for honours last season.
Second from bottom Maesteg front up to Swansea in what promises to be a nervy affair with both sides eager to remain in the top flight next season. Whilst at the Memorial Ground Glamorgan Wanderers play host to Cardiff and at Stradey Park Llanelli play Cross Keys.
