Welsh Premiership weekend predictions

Bedwas v Neath

Bedwas and Neath lost last Saturday but it couldn’t have been in more contrasting styles – Bedwas were undone by a late Aberavon penalty while Neath had 60 points put on them by Pontypridd, albeit with 14 men for a large chunk of the game.

Even if Neath manage to keep their full complement on the field tomorrow you just can’t see them coming away from Bedwas with a victory.

Verdict – Bedwas by nine points

Bridgend v Newport

After losing to Quins at home last weekend, Bridgend went to the bottom of the table so if a desire to move up the standings doesn’t motivate them nothing will.

Fortunately for them they are playing in front of their own fans at the Brewery Field again tomorrow which will give them an extra incentive to make up for that defeat to the Quins.

As for Newport, they may have lost to leaders Llandovery last time out but it was only in the closing stages that their opponents pulled away from them. If Newport can keep their discipline they are likely to win this one.

Verdict – Newport by seven points

Carmarthen Quins v Aberavon

Though maybe not the most enticing game for the neutral, both sides will look at this match as a great opportunity to pick up a win, especially Carmarthen who have home advantage.

Both teams go into it on the back of wins – Aberavon’s victory over Bedwas was their first of the season – so confidence should be high in the two camps.

Based on form this season, Quins should win but it could be a close run thing for a large portion of the 80 minutes.

Verdict – Quins by eight points

Cross Keys v Cardiff

Two sides in good form at the moment – okay, Keys did lose at Llanelli but there was hardly anything between the sides – clash at Pandy Park. The hosts are in third place and Cardiff are on a four-game winning streak in sixth.

Pandy Park is always worth a couple of extra points for Keys but Cardiff are a much better side than the one that started the season with two dismal defeats. Expect this one to be reasonably tight with the visitors perhaps surprising the home supporters.

Verdict – Cardiff by three points

Llandovery v Llanelli

A big West Wales derby at Church Bank sees first take on fifth and right now it’s Llandovery who have to start as favourites given their five bonus-point victories in a row which have given them top spot.

The Drovers have been on fire when it comes to scoring tries but Llanelli’s line remained intact against Cross Keys so it could well be a case of attack verses defence.

Verdict – Llandovery by eight points

Pontypridd v Swansea

Swansea will have bad memories of going to Sardis Road in April when they were thrashed 52-19.

It shouldn’t be as comprehensive a win for the hosts this time around but a win nonetheless as Pontypridd will be eyeing first place in the table if Llandovery slip up.

The All Whites have shown some encouraging signs this season but they won’t have enough to outmuscle Dale McIntosh’s men, although Swansea will be buoyed by the way Bridgend pushed them so close at Sardis Road a couple of weeks ago.

Verdict – Pontypridd by 15 points

By David Williams