Adopting a never say die approach Swalec Championship strugglers Newcastle Emlyn gave visitors and title challengers Swansea a run for their money and showed enough to suggest they can beat the drop in their first campaign after promotion at the end of last term.

When losing the corresponding game 27-13 at St. Helen’s earlier in the season Emlyn put up a spirited showing. The Red and Whites did likewise on Saturday and despite going down 19-5 Alex Williams and colleagues could hold their heads high after a performance that augurs well for forthcoming vital games.

Next up for the Teifisiders is an away clash with Narberth on Friday, March 18 and victory over the Otters will give them breathing space in the relegation fight.

When an Emlyn move broke down early on a kick was charged down and outside half Jac Wilson ran from deep inside his own half for a try he duly converted.

Shortly afterwards visiting No. 8 Rory Gallagher released flanker Jack Perkins who went over in the corner.

The Red and Whites came back strongly before the break and went close through prop Jack Parry after good work by the pack.

Although injuries forced Emlyn to make changes up front the Teifisiders were guilty of making elementary mistakes at crucial moments.

Just before the interval Swansea pressure led to Perkins crossing for his second score and Wilson added the extras to give his side a 19-0 lead at half time.

Early in the second half Emlyn got their only score of the game when a cross kick culminated in winger Llyr Davies going over wide out.

Impressive fullback Shaun Leonard and No. 8 Brynmor Jones went close for Emlyn but the All Whites held out.

Crymych took another step towards safety in League 1 West with a hard-earned 17-12 win over Gowerton at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

Gowerton beat the Preselimen 28-18 at home in November but despite a big effort the visitors were unable to complete the double.

The north Pembrokeshire villagers were in the ascendancy during the first half and led 17-5 at the break.

The visitors bounced back during the second period and although dominating were restricted to a converted try as Crymych held out.

During the opening 40 minutes winger Nick Bevan and centre Morgan Griffiths went over for tries, both converted by impressive scrum-half Rhys Davies who also landed a penalty.

Also during the opening half Gareth King crossed for a Gowerton try.

Chris McKenzie got a second try for the visitors during the second half converted by Josh Hamer but failed to overhaul their opponents.

Cardigan’s hopes of lifting the League 3 West A title and with it the one promotion spot are still alive after a 34-12 win over Laugharne at King George V Playing Field.

The Cardis led 19-0 at half time through tries by outside half Iestyn Crompton, lock Trystan Lewis and winger Rhydian Jenkins, with Crompton landing two conversions.

The Carmarthenshire villagers refused to throw in the towel and scored second half tries through prop Dorian Harries and hooker Tom Waters with Tom Jameson converting one of the scores.

Further home tries by centre Emyr Harries and fullback Alun Jenkins added to a penalty try and penalties landed by Crompton and replacement Llyr Tobias put the homesters firmly in the driving seat and they cruised to victory.