RUGBY

It is squeaky bum time down by the River Teifi at Ddol Wyber in Newcastle Emlyn after the Red and Whites crashed 22-10 against Glynneath at Abernant Park in a Swalec Championship relegation battle.

Alex Williams and team-mates were left two points above the relegation zone with the same number of games remaining.

They should comfortably see off doomed league whipping boys Llanharan at home this Saturday, especially as they won 60-27 against the bottom club on the opening day of the season.

Emlyn bring the curtain down on the season at home against mid table Beddau the following weekend when attempting to reverse a 46-15 defeat back in September.

In their first season at Championship level Emlyn have done the area proud but it was a below par showing on Saturday when returning west with a victory under their belts could have ensured safety.

With slope advantage during the opening 40 minutes the homesters started on fire and outside half Jack O’Riley nudged them ahead with a 45-yard penalty.

After the visitors lost all-action flanker Owain Powell with a hip injury Glynneath got a try from a lineout when lock Ben Jones charged over unopposed under the posts for O’Riley to convert.

Soon afterwards the dominant home side increased the advantage thanks to flanker David Jones who forced his way over in the corner giving his side a 15-0 half time lead.

Winger Daniel Davies hoisted a penalty for Emlyn early in the second period but Glynneath countered when a surging move culminated in Alwyn James going over under the posts and O’Riley added the extras.

Fullback Shaun Leonard burst through for a try to give Emlyn some hope and Dan Davies converted.

In a frenetic final quarter Glynneath had two players in the sin bin but the 13 men defended as if their lives depended on the result.

The Teifisiders were presented with ample opportunities to win the game and will be hugely disappointed but if they play to their potential can be fancied to retain their Championship status after promotion last term.