Rugby round-up

So near yet so far - that was Crymych's lot as the north Pembrokeshire villagers fell just short against Aberystwyth in a thrilling Championship encounter at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

Victory for the Preselimen would have seen them leapfrog Aber into third but it was not to be as the visitors prevailed 31-24.

Despite the setback it was a valiant effort by Crymych who picked up two bonus points, and new coach Neil Machin, who took up his duties this week, knows he has taken over a more than useful squad with many of the view that Tom Powell and Co could make a big impact during the second half of the campaign.

What the new man at the helm is likely to look at as a matter of urgency is scrum infringements – Aber were awarded two penalty tries, both

converted by impressive outside half Llyr Thomas.

The visitors held a 21-7 lead after the opening 40 minutes, their points coming via two penalty tries and one from winger Adam Carvell with Thomas adding six extra points.

Hooker Ifan Phillips went over for a Crymych, the score converted by outside half Rhys Davies.

The homesters came back strongly during the second period with tries by fly-half Davies, fullback Gethin Gibby and Gavin Thomas, one converted by Davies.

But Aber added to their try count when flanker Paul Stubbs was put over and Thomas landed the conversion and a penalty.

It was a case of after the Lord Mayor's show at Dol Wyber where Newcastle Emlyn turned in a hugely disappointing performance in a 3-3 draw against Championship rivals Skewen.

After sparkling displays against leaders Pontypool and high-flying Bedlinog fans anticipated a top-rated showing against a side one point below them in the table, but in the event it did not materialise.

It could have been worse for the Teifisiders if Skewen had turned their territorial advantage and dominance during the final quarter into

points, but the visitors made a number of unforced errors and had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Outside half Anthony Busselli landed a first half penalty for Skewen which was cancelled out by a long-range effort from home fullback Shaun Leonard midway through the second period.

The Cardigan versus Pembroke Dock Quins game in League 3 West A at King George V Playing Field was postponed after the Pembrokeshire club failed to raise a team and had many fans wondering if fixtures should be played on the same day as internationals involving Wales.