RUGBY ROUND-UP

A hard-earned 27-20 win over Rhydyfelin in Pontypridd moved Newcastle Emlyn up to seventh in the Championship and more importantly nine points clear of the drop zone.

Next up for the Red and Whites is the visit of third-placed Newbridge in a fortnight when the on song Teifisiders could banish all thoughts of relegation.

An Emlyn win appeared anything but a cast iron bet at the interval as Alex Williams and colleagues trailed the south Walians 17-3.

But raising their game to another level with forwards and backs combining in brilliant fashion, they turned things around and left their opponents feeling as flat as pancakes.

Outside half Mitchell Jones put Emlyn ahead early on with a penalty but the visitors fell behind when inspirational scrum-half Garyn Lucas ran in for a try converted by fullback David Gratton.

Speedy winger Gavin Close increased the home advantage with two further tries before half time.

A superb Emlyn build-up early in the second period culminated in centre Teifion Davies breaking through for a try converted by fly-half Jones.

Fullback Ashley Sutton finished off another exciting move by jinking over for a try and Jones added the extras to bring the scores level.

Emlyn's third try was initiated by Sutton and claimed in style by skipper Williams for Jones to convert and the kicker extended his side's lead with a straightforward penalty.

Rhydyfelin kicker Gratton brought his side back into contention with a penalty but it proved to be too little and too late.

This was an unexpected win for the red and whites but the manner of the second half performance must have been extremely pleasing for the Emlyn coaching staff.

This was, for 40 minutes, probably their best performance of the season and more of the same will be required when Newbridge are the visitors to Dôl Wiber.

Has the great escape started? That was the question being asked after League 1 West basement boys Crymych sprang a 37-14 win at Penclawdd and completed a double over the Cocklemen.

Up until Saturday the Preselimen were 14 points from safety but a bonus point win has reduced the gap to 11 and a third win at the expense of high-flying Gowerton at Parc Lloyd Thomas on March 3 could put a different complexion on matters.

Although the north Pembrokeshire men have 11 games in which to pull out of trouble it has to be said that they still appear to face a mammoth task.

The visitors led by ten points after the opening 40 minutes and put their opponents to the sword during the second period with a further 27 points.

Centre Carwyn Phillips went over for the opening try, converted by Ifan Phillips who also landed a penalty.

As Crymych ruled the roost after the break Phillips landed a second penalty before lock Rhys Davies, No. 8 Guto Davies and outstanding scrum-half Arwel Davies crossed for tries to earn the bonus point and fullback Gavin Thomas made it a nap hand of tries near the end.

Penclawdd were awarded two penalty tries in the final quarter for scrummaging infringements.