Rugby round-up

BOUNCING back from a disappointing defeat at Glynneath seven days previously Newcastle Emlyn dug deep to spring a 22-16 win over Dunvant at Ddol Wyber, a result that sent the visitors plummeting to the bottom.

The Teifisiders can expect a sterner test this Saturday when they visit Port Talbot to take on joint second in the table Tata Steel and it won't get any easier for them as they host leaders Pontypool seven days later.

No. 8 and skipper Alex Williams led from the front for the Red and whites and Shaun Leonard who normally wears the No 15 jersey slotted in well at centre, the talented and versatile back putting in an accurate cross kick for winger Daniel Davies to open his side's account with a try in the corner.

After sending the conversion wide of an upright Davies fluffed two kicks well within his reach before Dunvant outside half James Davies opened his side's account with a well-struck penalty from 45 metres and followed up by doubling his tally with another spot on kick.

Leonard took over the kicking for Emlyn and was successful with a straightforward effort and he landed two further penalties before the break.

Dunvant applied pressure during the second half and this was rewarded when fullback Adam Williams-Parry ran in for a try converted by Davies to put the visitors within a point of their opponents.

Near the end Dunvant hooker Ceri Davies was red-carded for violent conduct and Leonard landed the resultant penalty which nudged the Teifisiders four points clear.

Another Davies penalty put the visitors right back in contention but replacement Emlyn hooker Tom Curry got a touchdown after the pack drove over the try line.

As Emlyn held out scrum-half Dafydd Evans kicked superbly from hand and everyone in the side gave a wholehearted effort.

Crymych have blown hot and cold in League 1 West and it was definitely the latter that applied against Felinfoel in Llanelli where the home side emerged emphatic 29-0 winners.

As Felinfoel leapfrogged the Preselimen fullback Elliott Davies was the star of the show with a superb try hat-trick and also on the scoresheet were winger Kyle Simmonite and lock Jason Frater with outside half Aled Roberts landing two conversions.

Romping to a 39-0 win at Llangwm enabled Cardigan to regain top spot in League 3 West A and put Llyr Griffiths and Co in the right frame of mind for the visit of third-placed St Clears this weekend.

The scoreline may suggest a comfortable win for the visitors but Wasps had opportunities only to be let down by poor handling at crucial times.

For the visitors there were tries for Rhydian Jenkins, Daf Watkins, Luke Rogers, Llyr Griffiths and Sion Hughes, the latter bagging a brace.

Scrum-half Rogers landed three conversions and a penalty.