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A bumper Saturday of cup and league action

Nant Conwy will make their way from their rugged hinterland towards the rolling hills of Montgomeryshire and Newtown RFC who host their WRU Plate semi final against Div 1 East opponents- the Pitmen of Penallta. Saturday's semi final will be a repeat of the 2012 final encounter at the then Millennium Stadium when Nant narrowly lost out on the trophy. Penallta were finalists last year losing out 12-10 to Bedlinog. Both sides are in top form and a factor could be of whether Penallta can adopt to the the natural surface which is quite different to the fast 3g track they enjoy at home. The only prediction I will make is that it will be a cracking contest with both sides giving their all to book their coveted final place in the Principality Stadium. 'Dowch o na Nant'

Meantime the Div 1 North title race and relegation battles continue with some great tussles on Saturday.

Struggling Abergele despite their bottom position continue to make gallant efforts which is a testimony to their commitment and an example to all clubs. They face another tough ask on Saturday when they host current champions Pwllheli who are in a free scoring form following their 37-0 defeat of Caernarfon in the Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup last time out. Away win on the cards here.

A tense relegation battle at Dol Ddafydd when Bethesda host COBRA. Three points separate the sides and a win is critical for both. COBRA took points with a 35-7 victory at home earlier in the season but may be up against it this time as they need to register their second away success of the campaign to secure the valuable points on offer. The home side have lost their last five matches but showed good spirit in their Conwy Land Rover North Wales semi final defeat at Bala last week. COBRA took third placed Caernarfon close last time out and this match could go either way with the winner taking a a big step towards Div 1 survival. Dominance up front will be key here and Pesda may have the edge.

Colwyn Bay in 8th position travel to 3rd placed Caernarfon who have won their last six league outings. Bay were soundly beaten 67-12 by neighbours Llandudno last time out and were beaten 37-17 by the Cofis earlier in the season. Bay need the points to steer clear of relegation strugglers whilst the Cofis will want to maintain their league winning momentum in case of major slip ups by the top two!! Home win.

Fourh placed Bala who booked their place in Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup Final last week in defeating Bethesda travel to Maesdu Road to face Llandudno. The visitors won 30-15 earlier in the season and Tudno had an emphatic win at Colwyn Bay in their last match. This should be a good contest between sides who enjoy playing open high tempo rugby, depending on conditions it could be a high scoring affair with the away side having the edge.

Mold in seventh position have lost their way result wise with 5 straight defeats since their great WRU Plate run welcome 5th placed Bro to Chester Road. They pipped the visitors 16-14 with virtually the last play when the sides last met and it could be close again on Saturday with perhaps Mold making home advantage count to return to winning ways.