RUGBY ROUND-UP

Hitting form to spring a well-deserved 37-18 Championship win over visitors Skewen could prove a big morale-booster for Newcastle Emlyn before a break for the autumn internationals.

Although banking maximum points the Red and Whites were left third from bottom, just a point above the drop zone and when the action resumes on December 9 Alex Williams and colleagues will be set on getting something from clashes with Tata Steel, Cardiff Met and Narberth before the end of the year.

The platform for Emlyn's fourth win in ten attempts was laid up front as the pack dominated virtually throughout.

Behind the scrum shrewd outside half Steffan Evans frequently released a pacey back division and his kicking from hand was of a high quality.

Emlyn nudged in front midway through the first half when a spell of pressure culminated in fullback Llyr Davies scything through the defence for a quality try converted by winger Iestyn Crompton.

Former Cardigan favourite Crompton had his kicking boots on as he contributed 22 points which included a second half try.

The winger increased the home advantage with a penalty which was cancelled out by a successful kick by visiting outside half Anthony Busselli.

Another Crompton penalty and a try by scrum-half Mike Jones converted by Crompton put Emlyn firmly in the driving seat before Busselli landed his second penalty just before the interval.

Crompton was successful with another kick before a series of home attacks led to replacement hooker Carwyn Rees crossing for a try and Crompton added the extras.

A fourth and bonus point try was notched by Crompton who inevitably converted the score.

Refusing to throw in the towel Skewen replied with tries by flanker Richard Davies and Luke Myall, the latter converted by Busselli.

Cardigan were an established WRU club long before Aberaeron was formed but it appears the Seasiders have overtaken the Cardis as they showed in notching a 27-5 League 3 West A win at King George V Playing Field.

Despite underfoot conditions unfavourable for open rugby the visitors endeavoured to serve up entertaining rugby from the word go and outplayed their hosts for lengthy periods.

Outside half Rhodri Jenkins put Aeron ahead with an early penalty and soon afterwards a rolling maul led to No. 8 Tudur Jenkins forcing his way over for a try converted by his namesake.

Strong-running centre Ollie Sawyer cut through a paper thin defence for a try converted by Jenkins to virtually put Aeron out of sight at the break.

Soon after the restart Cardigan got their only success of the game when Tom Taylor barged over for a try.

Any hopes of a home revival were thwarted when fly-half Jenkins, who landed two penalties, went over in the corner for a try which he converted.

The League 1 West game between Crymych and Tenby United was postponed due to the waterlogged state of the Parc Lloyd Thomas pitch.