RUGBY ROUND-UP

Where is the first win coming from? That was a question asked by Newcastle Emlyn followers after the Teifisiders suffered a fourth WRU Championship defeat on the trot in going down 15-3 against visitors and third-placed Narberth at Ddol Wyber.

Another reversal left the Red and Whites joint bottom of the pile but there were encouraging signs before Alex Williams and Co visit Ystrad Rhondda this Saturday.

It appeared the homesters had secured a losing bonus point for being within seven points of their opponents but as the game moved into injury time the Otters crossed for their second try and drew 12 points clear.

Despite being hit by injuries to a number of players after the previous week's defeat at the hands of leaders Cardiff Metropolitan University in the capital Emlyn turned in a spirited performance and matched their unbeaten opponents for lengthy periods.

When Emlyn were penalised for a scrummaging offence midway through the first half Narberth full back Ianto Griffiths put the ball safely between the uprights.

Both defences excelled before the home side drew level with a superb penalty from the halfway line by full back Shaun Leonard to square matters before the break.

Narberth regained the advantage when home outside half Arthur Lennon was dispossessed inside his own 22 and the ball was worked wide to winger Gethin Gibby who ran in for an unconverted try.

In injury time the visitors wrapped matters up when replacement fullback Nick Gale won the race for a touchdown and Griffiths added the extras.

Turning in an impressive all-round team performance Crymych pushed League 1 West pacesetters Felinfoel to the limit at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

Crymych No. 8 Osian Davies gave his skills an airing with three tries but still ended on the losing side.

The visitors led 25-7 after the opening 40 minutes and appeared to be on the way to a comfortable victory.

But the Preselimen came back strongly and the losing bonus point they picked up was no more than their efforts deserved.

During the first half the Llanelli visitors got tries through hooker Rhys Evans, lock Andrew Thomas and centre Jordan Dunn with two of the scores converted by outside half Aled Roberts who also landed two penalties.

Crymych's points came from a first try for Davies converted by Jake Jenkins.

As the north Pembrokeshire villagers stormed back Davies went on to complete his try hat-trick and replacement centre Ifan Phillips landed two conversions.

Cardigan opened their League 3 West A account at the third time of asking when coming out on top 12-9 in a tightly-fought game at Tregaron.

All the points came before the interval and during the second period both defences showed their mettle.

Home fullback Huw Bonner landed three penalties while Cardigan's points came from a try by winger Rhydian Jenkins and fullback and skipper John Lumb with outside half Iwan John landing one conversion.