Tivyside | Archive | 2002 | July | 9
From the Tivyside Advertiser, first published Tuesday 9th Jul 2002.
The countdown is underway to a mouth-watering early season division 3 West clash between Newcastle Emlyn and Cardigan.
All roads will lead to DdÙl Wyber on Saturday, September 7, and rugby circles are already buzzing over the local derby, which is a league opener for both clubs. On the last occasion the rivals met - at DdÙl Wyber in March 1998 - the Cardis scored 50 points without reply. It is expected to be much closer this time around. The Red and Whites will rely largely on last season's squad that took them to promotion in division four, with the addition of talented outside half Gareth Jones from Carmarthen Quins.
A players' meeting is being held at Cardigan this week, and it is understood that three or four new players are on the verge of joining the King George V club.
A week before the rivals go head-to-head they face away ties in a preliminary round of the Principality Welsh Cup - Cardigan are at Baglan, while Emlyn visit Abercrave.
Commenting on the derby encounter Cardigan chairman Graham Franklin said: "It is a huge game for the area. "We would have preferred to have it later in the season. But you have to start somewhere and we'll be ready," he said.
Emlyn secretary Chris Jones said: "This is a very attractive first league fixture, and I'm sure everyone in the area is looking forward to it."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008