RUGBY ROUND-UP

Despite ending the WRU Championship programme with a 28-26 home defeat at the hands of Tata Steel it was a creditable performance by the Red and Whites in finishing in the top five when earlier in the season they were considered by many to be relegation candidates.

Both teams were bereft of a number of regulars with several playing out of position and it was hardly surprising that the game was littered by unforced errors.

The Teifisiders went ahead after 27 minutes when fullback Shaun Leonard ran through the visiting defence for a brilliant score under the posts and he added the extras.

Just before halftime Tata No. 8 and player/coach Mathew Llewellyn went over for a try near the posts and outside half Josh White converted.

In the second half scrum-half Ross Parsons went in under the posts and White converted, the score followed soon afterwards with Llewellyn's second try and then centre Andrew Spowart got an interception try which White converted.

Centre Barry Thomas replied with a try for the homesters before No. 8 Brynmor Jones charged over for a score converted by Leonard.

Emlyn replacement teenage flanker Osian Davies marked his senior debut with a try but Leonard's conversion attempt was off target giving Tata victory by two points.

With two games outstanding Crymych could finish in the League 1 West top five despite a season dogged by inconsistency.

The Preselimen had to dig deep before emerging 13-8 winners over Whitland at Parc Llwyntygwyn, a defeat that spelt relegation for the Borderers.

For the visitors there were tries for Lawrence Headlam and Gethin Gibby with Gavin Thomas landing a penalty while Sean Coles went in for a Whitland try and Nico Setaro kicked a penalty.

Reaching the semi-final of the WRU National Bowl is a fading memory for Cardigan who have since suffered a Division 3 West A hat-trick of defeats.

After going down against newly-crowned champions St Clears and Milford Haven the Cardis crashed 42-26 at home against Pembroke.

The heavier Pembroke pack was dominant and laid the platform for one of the team's best performances of the season.

Cardigan scores came via Emyr Harries, Rhydian Jenkins, Llyr Jones and a penalty try with Iestyn Crompton landing three conversions.

For the visitors there were tries for Max Hayward, Dom Colman who bagged a brace, Levys Gibby, Elliott Evans, Tom Lewis and Sam Smith with Luke Hartland converting two of the scores.