THE Newcastle Emlyn bandwagon rolled merrily along as the promoted Red and Whites continued to make an impact in Division Two West with a hard-earned 10-7 win in the Ceredigion derby at Plascrug.

Aberystwyth were left to rue two missed penalties late on by outside half Ricky Williams that would have given the homesters victory, but on the balance of play throughout the 80 minutes the Teifisiders deserved the verdict.

As the North Ceredigion men strove to pull the game out of the fire Emlyn were especially well served by the all-action backrow of Gareth Patterson, Chris Marks and Owain Powell while centres Daniel Davies and Alun Howells tackled as if their lives depended on the result.

Right-winger Ian Ellis gave Aber the lead with a well-worked try but the visitors were in the ascendancy before the break thanks to outside half Rhydian Harries. After landing a penalty the No. 10 sold an audacious dummy to run in for a try and he landed the conversion.

Fly half Williams gave the homesters hope with a penalty but his misses near the end were to prove costly as Emlyn held out for their sixth win of the term.

The situation is looking bleak for Crymych in Division One West – a 19-3 defeat at Loughor left the Preselimen in deep relegation trouble and facing a battle to avoid the drop after promotion last season.

Hooker Michael White and centre Peter Smyriglia notched first half tries for the home side with Andrew Williams landing a conversion. Gavin Thomas replied for Crymych with a penalty.

White got his second try of the game after the break and Williams added the extras.

Under-strength Cardigan put up a spirited showing and could hold their heads high after a 21-17 away defeat at the hands of Division Three West leaders Penclawdd which earned the visitors a bonus point.

The Cardis were without a recognised front row and the game was played with uncontested scrums which did not assist the Cocklemen but nothing should be taken away from the visitors who wore their hearts on their sleeves throughout

Penclawdd led 15-10 after the opening 40 minutes, their points coming from tries by Chris Corbissiero and Owen Jones while outside half Daniel Gueneri landed a penalty and conversion.

For Cardigan lock Gethin Davies went in for a try converted by outside half Iestyn Crompton who also landed a penalty.

Second row Christian Lewis got a second try for the visitors after change of ends and Crompton converted, but Gueneri landed two further penalties.