RUGBY TOMORROW.
Iestyn Crompton will complete the full circle tomorrow afternoon when he pulls on the red and white jersey of Newcastle Emlyn and runs out on to the field at Trebanos. The former Cardigan stand off who was a popular figure at the Gwbert Road club for many years, moved back to his home town club this season to see out his career at the place it all began.
A natural ten but a player that can slot in almost anywhere, Crompton who is now in his mid thirties has been chosen on the wing tomorrow, a position he has occasionally filled in for Cardigan as a replacement but don’t be surprised to see him wear the ten shirt sometime over the next few months if required.
Another making a welcome return is centre Steff Evans following a period of travelling around the world and new signing Kami Nakove has been switched across to the left wing whilst former Cardigan skipper Dylan Rambo Davies has been brought back into the team to play at second row.
The Emlyn squad will be looking for a more positive return after a disappointing trip to the Welsh capital last Saturday. Marc Lloyd and his men were not really at the races against Cardiff Met and the head coach will be expecting a big response from his players at Trebanos, a side that have one win in the WRU Championship but who only just lost by three points to Pontypool a few weeks ago.
In division one Crymych are also on the road and they travel to newly promoted Tycroes who like their opponents are still looking for their first win. The Preselimen lost the season opener at Dunvant and then were then edged out by local rivals Aberystwyth although they were far better than the score suggested on the day and should have at least picked up a losing bonus point. If they had taken their chances they could have sneaked a win.
Skipper Rhys Davies will lead out a familiar looking side although they have lost full back Jake Jenkins as he has been recalled by championship outfit Narberth and that will be a blow. Former Cardigan centre Marcus Castle has recovered from an ankle injury and he takes his place in midfield alongside experienced play maker Gareth Davies as Carwyn Phillips is unavailable, as is regular scrum half Rhys Davies.
Consistent performer Dion Gibby is back in the second row alongside his captain and Zac Miller switches back to his more natural position at blind side with Guto Davies at eight and Aled Harries at open side.
Following two wins away from home Aberystwyth entertain Gorseinon at Plascrug and skipper Lee Evans and his men will fancy their chances of adding another scalp to their list especially after the way they played last week in their win at Gowerton.
In division two Llanybydder who were squeezed out last weekend face a very tough assignment against a Whitland side that have won three on the trot and head the division. Fishguard also face a tough fixture as they entertain Loughor.
Cardigan welcome St Davids to the King George field in division three west A and the saints will be cock a hop after picking up their first league win in over two years last time out. The Cardi’s have selected a very young side with the exception of experienced number eight and coach Colin Davies who will provide the leadership up front and tough tackling skipper and centre Emyr Harries in midfield.
Aberaeron entertain Laugharne and will be keen to bounce back following a disappointing performance against Haverfordwest whilst Tregaron are away at Pembroke Dock Quins.
In division 3 B Lampeter Town take on fellow unbeaten side Nantgaredig for the division bragging rights on Sunday morning.
