Rugby round-up

CRYMYCH of League 1 West and Cardigan in League 3 West A celebrated Christmas with wins over Whitland and Tregaron respectively but Newcastle Emlyn of the Championship couldn't make it a local treble as the Red and Whites were defeated 18-6 by Narberth at the Lewis Lloyd Ground.

A second successive win for new coach Neil Machin set up the Preselimen for a drive towards the summit during the second half of the season.

Despite a spirited showing Whitland will end 2016 one place off the bottom and facing a long road.

Three tries during the second half put Crymych in the ascendancy and the north Pembrokeshire villagers never really looked like slipping up.

Crymych led 6-0 after the opening 40 minutes thanks to a couple of well-struck penalties by outside half Rhys Davies.

As the homesters raised the tempo after the break winger Dylan Ladd crossed for two tries and there was one touchdown for fullback Gethin Gibby, both scores converted by Davies.

Tries by Gareth Bennett and Marc Jones for Whitland proved too little and too late.

A 29-13 win over Tregaron at King George V Playing Field completed a double for Cardigan who emerged 40-0 winners in north Ceredigion back in

September.

The bonus point victory ensured the Cardis would finish the year in third place, four points behind leaders Milford Haven with a game in hand.

Cardigan led 22-6 at the interval thanks to tries by lock Rob Connelly, fullback Alun Jenkins and centre Emyr Harries with scrum-half Luke Rogers converting two and landing a penalty.

With skipper Griffiths in the backrow leading by example, the Cardis were generally in control and there was an inevitability about the result.

Prop Don Pugh got a second half try for Tregaron converted by outside half Gwion Philips who also landed two penalties.

In an 18-6 defeat Newcastle Emlyn spurned a number of opportunities through unforced errors and defeat against the promotion-chasing Otters left the Teifisiders facing a second half of the season in which they will face a fight to stay above the relegation zone.

The visitors went ahead with two penalties by winger Daniel Davies, both scores cancelled out by home wingman Nick Gale.

A smooth passing movement resulted in outstanding home centre Jack Price crossing for a try that put the Otters five points clear at the break.

Emlyn asserted pressure after the interval but the visitors were thwarted by a solid Otters defence.

A sweeping move saw Price put Narberth out of sight with his second try and Gale converted, ensuring that the Pembrokeshire high-flyers stay in

third place at the end of the year.