RUGBY ROUND-UP

By Tivy-Side reporter

EIGHTY minutes – that's what stands between Cardigan and an appearance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in the final of the WRU National Bowl.

The Cardis stood tall in front of a bumper crowd at King George V Playing Field to reach the semi-final with a first-rate showing in springing a 16-6 win over full-of-fight Milford Haven.

The semi-final draw was being made today (Tuesday) when Llyr Griffiths and team-mates will be pitted against Amman United, Caerphilly or Cilfynydd who came through quarter-final ties against Burry Port, Taffs Well and Swansea Uplands respectively.

After the cup run continued with a sixth success, many supporters said they had no preference in relation to semi-final opponents.

An ecstatic follower said: "We don't care just bring them on – I think we can go all the way."

Milford forwards coach Alan 'Macky' McClelland sportingly said: "We gave everything we had but I think Cardigan just about deserved it and good luck to them."

During the second half outside half Llyr Jones, who was outstanding throughout and took over from Arwyn Wilson at the base of the scrum to accommodate replacement No. 10 Iestyn Crompton, nudged the homesters ahead with a spot-on penalty, a score cancelled out by Mariners fullback Craig Barnett.

As Cardigan began to assert the ball was worked to left-winger Dafydd Watkins for a try wide out that went unconverted.

The homesters increased their advantage after 17 minutes of the second period when strong-running fullback John Lumb joined the line and burst through for an unconverted try in the corner.

Llyr Jones landed a second penalty to give his side a 16-3 lead and although Barnett reduced the deficit with a successful kick the Pembrokeshire side never seriously threatened to pull the tie out of the fire.

The one disappointment for Cardigan was the second half dismissal of centre Emyr Harries for a second bookable offence.

Inconsistency has hampered Crymych in League 1 West but the Preselimen turned on the style in completing the double over second in the table Llanelli Wanderers with an 8-6 win at Stradey Park.

After rising to the occasion and denting Wanderers' promotion aspirations the north Pembrokeshire villagers were left to reflect on what might have been this term.

Outside half Jonathan George put Wanderers ahead with a penalty before visiting No. 8 Guto Davies went over for an unconverted try.

Lloyd Thomas put over a penalty for the homesters but replacement centre Sean Leonard, who is normally a fullback with Newcastle Emlyn in the Championship, landed a penalty to give the Preselimen victory.