Pembrokeshire rugby previews for Saturday, December 29th (2.30pm):

Division One West (and KO Cup quarter final double header):

Crymych v Aberystwyth

Crymych's slow start is long behind them - they have three league wins in four and were at their best to blow Tenby away 41-10 pre-Christmas.

There were casualties though with injuries to Osian Edwards and No 8 Osian Davies - after the latter had delivered a standout performance. Veteran No 10 Gareth Davies and winger Laurence Headlam also reveled that night and Randal Williams said afterwards it was the first time this season his side had really clicked.

They lost 19-15 in Aber earlier in the season though and the mid Wales team also notched a big win before the festive break, beating Llangennech 29-10. A week later centre Carwyn Evans showed his class when he stepped up to the Championship to play on permit for Newcastle Emlyn in Narberth - and his battle with Gethin Gibby will be worth a watch.

This game also takes on extra significance as it doubles up as a KO Cup double header - with the winners playing Milford in the semi final.

There is a lot at stake here.

Whitland v Tenby United - postponed with Tenby unable to field a front row.

Division Two West:

Carmarthen Athletic v St Clears

The second half of the season could go one of two ways for St Clears - a great escape or a long four months.

They are 12 points, essentially three wins, from safety and while they do have games in hand time they simply must start winning.

Athletic's form has fluctuated after starting the season with three straight wins, including a 22-0 success against the Carmarthenshire Saints, but also have games in hand on most and are still in contention for promotion.

Neither side though, has played in the league since December 1st and inevitably, ring rust could be a problem.

As so often, whoever blows away the cobwebs the quickest will be at a big advantage.

Pembroke v Fishguard

Pembroke have dropped to fourth having not placed since the win in Loughor on December 8th - but remain firmly in the mix at the top.

Fishguard have picked up themselves though and beat Pontyberem 10-5 in their last (completed) game, and the introduction of Geraint Jones has brought more balance to their backline in recent weeks.

The power of the Scarlet pack is well documented but the Seagulls too can mix it up front, and I suspect this could be as tight as it was at The Moors - when Pembroke edged it 17-16.

Division Three West A:

Aberaeron v Cardigan

Aberaeron remain unbeaten since the opening day and are very much in the race for the title.

A 23-9 win at Llanybydder before Christmas underlined that as Tudur Jenkins scored two crucial tries - but they face a Cardigan team coming in off the back of their best display of the campaign.

They beat Laugharne 13-0 on December 15th and afterwards head coach Colin Davies didn't hide his delight at the way his side played as a unit.

Despite home advantage, this is a dangerous test for Aber.

Haverfordwest v Milford Haven

This is big.

Second against third, although The Mariners have played two games less.

Milford beat the Blues 24-18 earlier in the season at The Obs, and the way they celebrated it underlined how important a result it was. It was a game they dominated for large parts until late ill discipline let Steve Barnett's men back in.

But the latter would have learnt from that and I can't see Haverfordwest starting as poorly this time around. They beat Llangwm on Boing Day but clearly had this game in mind with some key players left out. One injury worry came in the form of No 10 Mikey Jones though, who limped out of the warm up.

The Mariners are yet to lose but have not won on this ground since the leagues were re-structured. 

These two have developed quite the rivaly in recent years and former players and coaches of both will clash tomorrow. It's going to be a pivotal day in the promotion race.

Pembroke Dock Quins v Neyland

It has been a tough season so far for the Quins with just a bonus point to show from their eight league games.

It won't get any easier here against a Neyland team that again showcased their ability to be clinical before Christmas with a 71-3 win over Tregaron.

The All Blacks top the table although have played more agmes than most, and beat the Quins 60-6 in the reverse fixture.

Hopefully though, the festive break has given Neil Machin's side a chance to regroup and get players back. If so, they can be more competitive this time around.

St Davids v Llangwm

As always, a big one is in store here (on and off the field).

Llangwm beat the Saints 15-7 in September and have since beaten the Quins - and playing the Bishop Cup Boxing Day may have worked both for and against them here.

Inevitably, there may be some tired legs, but they had 80 minutes under their belts together where as St Davids have not played since a 102-3 thumping in Cardigan on December 8th.

In fact, the Saints have leaked more than 500 points in nine league games, and they simply have to shore up or adding to that win over Pembroke Dock in October will prove difficult tomorrow.

There is rarely more than a score or two in it when these two meet, and attractive rugby tends to be at a premium. But there is never any shortage of blood and thunder with a rare win at stake for both.

Tregaron v Llanybydder

Tregaron got their first win against Pembroke Dock Quins in their last home game, and although their 14 men were beaten 71-3 a week later they should be back to full strength for this.

Llanybydder were well beaten by Aberaeron a tilt at the title and promotion back to Division Two now looks unlikely, and this trip represents a trick test straight after Christmas.

But they follow this fixture with back to back home games - so will be eyeing a New Year surge up the table.