The Amman Valley proved a happy hunting ground for Crymych and Newcastle Emlyn in League 1 West as the Preselimen sprang a 22-20 win over Ammanford and the Teifisiders emerged victorious by 25-7 against Amman United, writes John Adey

In League 2 West it was more disappointment for Cardigan who went down 40-20 at home against leaders Hendy despite turning in a committed performance and showing enough to suggest that a first success may not be too far away.

Outside half Sam Phillips was the hero of the hour for the north Pembrokeshire side as he snapped a 28-metre drop goal with barely eight minutes left on the clock.

If Ammanford had managed to hold out for victory it would have been rough justice for the visitors who put in the hard miles in an impressive showing.

Crymych led 14-13 after the opening 40 minutes via tries by winger Gavin Thomas and fly-half Phillips who converted both scores.

Lock Jake Simm and Mathew Bartlett got tries for the home side and outside half Rhydian Morris landed a penalty.

During the second period Carwyn Phillips went in for a Crymych try and then came that late winner from No 10 Phillips.

Emlyn have been defeated twice by Amman United at Garnant in as many seasons but that all changed as the Teifisiders emerged impressive 25-7 winners.

After five outings the Ddol Wiber battlers are joint fourth with Loughor and the latest success will undoubtedly have put them in the right frame of mind for the visit of third in the table Tenby United this Saturday.

In a scrappy affair the Amman Valley side employed spoiling tactics for most of the game and picked up four yellow cards while Emlyn had one.

The visitors held an 8-7 lead at the break, their points coming from a try by centre Alun Howells and a penalty landed by outside half Rhydian Harries.

Flanker Craig Ratcliffe got a try for Ammanford and outside half Adrian Thomas added the extras.

Harries increased the Emlyn advantage with another penalty and converted a penalty try. Centre Viv Jenkins crossed for Emlyn’s third try converted by Harries but despite camping inside the home 22 during the final quarter just failed to grab a fourth score for a bonus point.

Emlyn coach Marc Lloyd said “We have to be satisfied with the season so far especially winning away from home but there is a long way to go and we will keep out feet firmly on the ground.”

Showing total commitment and tackling as if their lives depended on the result Cardigan held table toppers Hendy at the interval but the visitors moved up a gear during the second period for a bonus point win.

Lock Tristan Lewis barged over for a Cardigan try during the opening 40 minutes and outside half Iestyn Crompton converted the sore and landed two penalties.

As Hendy matched their opponents hooker Chris Jones crossed for a try converted by outside half Jos Batcup who was successful with two penalties.

Centre Aaron Tomkinson went in for a second home try converted by Crompton but the leaders added further scores through Steffan Jones, Gruff Jones, Tom Havard and Rhys Phillips.