RUGBY ROUND-UP

Despite a fully-committed performance Newcastle Emlyn crashed to a 62-10 defeat against unbeaten Championship leaders Pontypool at Ddol Wyber.

A sixth defeat in nine outings left the Red and Whites in the relegation mire three points adrift of safety.

Although there is a long way to go followers have already expressed concern over the situation and are hoping for a fourth win when Skewen come calling this Saturday.

The platform for another emphatic Pooler victory was laid up front where a big and mobile pack controlled the game for lengthy periods in a nine-try romp.

An early penalty by Emlyn kicker Dan Davies was soon cancelled out by a successful kick from outside half Kieron Meek.

The visitors were soon in the ascendancy as skipper Robert Nash and hooker Ben Parry crossed for tries, one of the touchdowns converted by Meek.

Emlyn replied with a brilliant solo try by centre Teifion Davies, who ran in under the posts and Davies added the extras.

After winger Jordon Thomas an hooker Parry went over for Pooler tries, both converted by Meek, the homesters lost impressive centre Davies and flanker Gareth Thompson through injury.

Fly half Meek sped through for a try early in the second period and he converted before scrum-half Aaron Quick ran in for a try converted by his halfback partner.

Emlyn's cause was not enhanced when winger Dan Davies and outside half Steffan Evans were forced out of the action through injury.

As Pooler continued to dominate Nash, outstanding flanker Mike Herbert and replacement scrum-half Martin Luckwell crossed for tries all converted by Meek.

Crymych were right in contention after the opening 40 minutes in holding fourth-placed League 1 West hosts Gowerton 17-17.

But things went downhill at a rate of knots after Sion Colella and Zac France-Miller were red carded and the visitors conceded 47 second half points without reply.

During an exciting first half the Preselimen got tries through winger Dylan Thomas and centre Ifor Phillips, the latter adding the extras before Luke Rogers landed a penalty.

As the Swansea high-flyers went in for ten tries three of them were claimed by No. 8 Lewis Bradley.

Outside half Josh Hamer crossed for two tries and converted seven of the scores, Robbie Jones also bagged a brace and the other score came via lock Josh Solomon.