RUGBY ROUND-UP

EXCITEMENT is mounting in Cardigan rugby circles after the Division 3 West A cup fighters roared into the quarter-final of the National Bowl with a 23-7 win over north Wales visitors Denbigh.

In a pulsating tie that aptly drew a sizeable crowd to King George V Playing Field, the homesters turned in a first-rate showing to put themselves within 160 minutes of an appearance in the final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

As the celebrations began a club spokesman told the Tivy-Side: "It is brilliant that we are in the last eight and everyone here is hoping for another home draw."

In the draw to be made today (Tuesday) the Cardis could meet fellow leaguers Milford Haven at the next stage after the Mariners lowered the colours of League 3 West Central A hopefuls Nantyffyllon in the Llynfi Valley.

Llyr Griffiths and team-mates went into the game having disposed of St Davids, Laugharne, Usk and Bettws in previous rounds while the north Walians got past Llangollen, Bangor, Crumlin and Tonyrefail.

Denbigh were a useful outfit with forwards and backs combining and the team prepared to run the ball from numerous situations while Cardigan rose magnificently to the occasion with skipper Griffiths leading by example in the back row.

As the visitors strove to get back into contention after the break, Cardigan fullback John Lumb caught just about everything and his kicking was immaculate.

There were other heroes in the home side including half-backs Llyr Jones and Iestyn Crompton, blindside flanker Gareth Clifford and centres Emyr Harries and Marcus Castle.

It was virtually all over by half-time with Griffiths and Co holding a 20-7 lead and apparently cruising despite spirited opposition.

Crompton nudged his side ahead with a spot on penalty before centre Harries broke through two tackles for a try which was quickly followed by impressive flanker Kieran Hurley crossing for a score converted by Crompton.

Prop Tomos Evans crashed over for a third try before the visitors got on the scoresheet with a try by left winger Jamie Winning converted by all-action fullback Dan O'Sullivan.

Despite good work by half back Jordan Wynne and Garin Roberts after the interval and a number of unforced errors by Cardigan the home side added to their points tally with a Crompton penalty and held out for a memorable victory.

Newcastle Emlyn are all but safe in the WRU Championship after an understrength team sprang a 27-5 win at Newbridge and plunged the Gwent side into deeper relegation trouble.

In a game played in heavy underfoot conditions the Teifisiders adapted better than their opponents as they kept things tight and drove The Bridge back time and again.

Winger Daniel Davies put Emlyn ahead with a 30-metre penalty but the Welfare Ground side responded with an unconverted try in the corner by winger James Beighton.

When Newbridge failed to clear their lines Emlyn launched an attack that culminated in No. 8 Brynmor Jones feeding flanker Tom Powell who went over for a try converted by Davies.

With the visitors dominant up front after the break they extended their lead when lock Gareth Bennett, on permit from Whitland, went over for a try.

Outside half Mitchell Jones placed an accurate kick to the corner for full-back Shaun Leonard to get a try and scrum-half Mike Jones also got in on the scoring act for Leonard to add the extras.