Excitement is mounting among rugby followers in the Preseli area as Crymych attempt to pull off an escape of Houdini proportions by avoiding relegation in League 1 West.

Not so long ago the north Pembrokeshire villagers were considered cast-iron certainties for the drop into League 2 West, but Rhys 'Beaky' Davies and team-mates have dug deep – especially on Saturday when the second-from-bottom Preselimen sprang a thrilling 36-34 win over the club one place above them, Llanelli Wanderers.

As the season reaches its climax Crymych are eight points from safety but have games in hand on those above them and home fixtures pending.

It could be a tall order for Davies and Co to continue their winning run this weekend when they visit likely champions Felinfoel but it could also prove imprudent to write off their chance of pulling off a huge upset.

Leading 36-6 after the opening 40 minutes Crymych unaccountably went off the boil and were hanging on at the ned as the visitors' spirited recovery just failed.

Jonathan George gave Llanelli an early advantage with two penalties but the hosts hit back in telling fashion as the pack won quality possession for halfbacks Gareth Davies and Jake Jenkins to control the tempo.

With the homesters firing on all cylinders they ran in six tries through wing speedster Lawrence Headman who notched a hat-trick, fullback Gavin Thomas, flanker Sion Colella and prop Zac-France-Miller with centre Ifan Phillips converting three of the scores.

As Wanderers went on the offensive after the break they were awarded a penalty try and there were three further scores by scrumhalf Josh Weeds who bagged a brace and No. 8 Nicky Harries, all converted by George.

Crymych picked up five points and there were two bonus points for Wanderers.