Inevitably, a Monmouthshire derby match is devoid of tries and so tight that it takes the full 80 minutes to decide a winner – if any. This is sure to apply at Pandy Park, when Cross Keys are the hosts to Pontypool.
It could be that Pooler will be ring rusty, having not played a league match since February 1, but they have won eight matches since going down at Newbridge by 13-12 on a Sunday in November.
Aberavon should have the easier task of winning at Beddau and will have the injured Ricky Price and Richard Morris back, though Richard Lewis and Sam Greenaway are both out.
Carmarthen Quins give Paul Fisher the nod over Giles Thomas at fly half in their home match against Tredegar. Also in for his first league start is young hooker Dan Smith, while both Alan Mason and Josh Freeman are back with Swansea’s dual-registered wing Richard Rees moving to the replacements bench.
Blackwood will be without big lock Andrew Veater against Bonymaen, as the dual-registered player will sit on the Newport bench at Caerphilly, while the visitors could have two Swansea forwards in their ranks.
There will be a cup final of sorts between Treorchy and Rumney at the Oval. Treorchy maybe below their Cardiff-based opponents, but they gained their only league win of the season in the earlier meeting at Rumney. The Zebras could be interested that their former player, Wales cap Luc Evans, is back in Wales at the Pill Harriers club.
Glamorgan Wanderers will face tough opponents in Bedwas, whose wingers Nathan Hill and Stefan Senkala are firing on all cylinders, while Llanharan and Llandovery should also provide a lively encounter on the Dairy Field. In the other matches, Newbridge entertain Whitland and Narberth are hosts to an improving Tondu.
In Division 2, leaders Llangennech are at Cwmavon, but the match of the day will be at Llantwit Fardre, where third-placed Maesteg provide the opposition.
One of Saturday’s fixtures was played on Tuesday at Waterton Cross, as Division 7 Central leaders Cwmgwrach travelled four days early to beat South Wales Police 36-6.
In 3 East Penygraig will prove attractive visitors at Builth Wells, while Ystrad Rhondda sit this round out and in 4 East Rhydyfelin’s home clash with Llanishen looms large.
Fixtures in the lower divisions are coming close to the finish and 6 North leaders Bala could even become winners if they win at Rhos and other results go in their favour.
Nantymoel remain the only unbeaten club and they should hold off Heol y Cyw in a home match in Division 5 Central, while 5 North leaders Nant Conwy, beaten only once in two seasons, entertain Pwllheli.
In 6 East, Fairwater should be extended by Bargoed and bottom club Rhiwbina hope to gain a second win by holding off Crumlin. Other good matches should include Alltwen against Abercwmboi
In 6 Central, LLandaff North and Bettws in 7 East and Cefneithin home to St Clears in 7 West.
