The Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League kicks off its 2018/19 season tomorrow, with the WPWL previewing the opening round of fixtures.
Newly promoted side Briton Ferry Llansawel mark their return to the league with a home clash against Cardiff City FC Women. The Reds were South Wales Women’s and Girls League champions last season, making an instant return to the top flight after being relegated at the end of the 2016/17 campaign. The Bluebirds meanwhile will be looking to improve on last season’s fifth place finish.
Game of the opening weekend sees reigning champions Cardiff Met host local rivals Cyncoed in the Cyncoed derby. Met will be without Kennesha Nanette, who is currently on international duty with Bermuda. Cyncoed meanwhile have brought in a number of new faces, whilst a number of last season’s League Cup winning side have departed, including Jess Williams who has moved to Swansea, and Laura O’Sullivan and Grace Horrell who have gone to Cardiff City Ladies.
The two sides that finished just below Cardiff Met last season meet in Llandarcy as Swansea City take on Abergavenny. Both sides will be looking to challenge Met for the title this season, whilst also looking to challenge in the cups: Swansea are of course defending the FAW Women’s Cup.
Caernarfon Town were spared relegation at the back end of last season after they managed to finish 9th ahead of Caldicot Town, and will be looking to use their form towards the end of the previous campaign to kick on this season. They travel along the A55 to Belle Vue to face a Rhyl side under new management, Cassandra Thomas having taking over from Tom Jameison who has taken a step up into a Director’s role at the club.
Finally, two sides who finished mid-table last time out meet on the north coast as Llandudno host Port Talbot Town.
