RUGBY ROUND-UP

A dismal showing in slipping to a second WRU Championship defeat is already causing concern for Newcastle Emlyn fans after their favourites were brushed aside 29-0 by Rhydyfelin in Pontypridd.

It is probably far too early to make predictions, but with four clubs relegated for the first time, and an away confrontation with leaders Cardiff Metropolitan University this Saturday, followers of the Red and Whites are aware that points need to be put on the board in the near future.

Rhydyfelin experienced few problems in asserting from the word go and the outcome was never really in doubt as the Rhondda Cynon Taf side ruled the roost.

The platform for a comfortable victory was laid up front where the homesters gained quality possession after virtually cleaning out in the lineout, out-scrummaging the visitors and showing far more fluidity in the loose.

It was 10-0 after the opening 40 minutes, the points coming from an early penalty landed by full back David Gratton and a try by hooker Scott Pritchard resulting from a rolling maul, the score converted by Gratton.

Early in the second period Rhydyfelin launched an attack on their own ten-metre line and the move continued through the middle before centre Luke Rees sprinted over under the posts and Gratton added the extras.

No 8 Lewis James went over for a third try, inevitably converted by Gratton and when Emlyn blindside flanker Gareth Thompson pulled back an opponent a penalty try was awarded and the back-rower sin-binned.

Aberystwyth sprang a 19-15 League 1 West win over visitors Crymych who had the consolation of picking up a bonus point for being within seven points of their opponents.

In an entertaining contest the sides were level 12-12 at half time, the Aber points coming from ties by fullback Mathew Hughes and winger Ian Ellis one of the scores converted by outside half Steffan Rees.

For the Preselimen there were tries for winger Lawrence Headman and No. 8 Osian Davies with centre Ifan Phillips landing a conversion.

Phillips put over a second penalty early in the second period but the north Ceredigion men responded with a try by scrum-half Dylan Morgan converted by Rees.

Cardigan's inauspicious start in Division 3 West A continued with a second defeat as visitors Aberaeron emerged 24-22 winners at King George V Playing Field.

Aeron ran in five tries for a bonus point win while the homesters launched a late fightback to earn a losing bonus point.

The visitors led 12-3 at the interval through ties by scrum-half Dai Llewellyn and winger Rhodri Thomas, one of the scores converted by outside half Rhodri Jenkins, while Cardigan got on the scoreboard with a penalty by outside half Iwan John.

During the second period the visitors crossed for further tries through left-winger Thomas and centre Tim Slinger with Jenkins landing a conversion.

Refusing to capitulate, Cardigan bounced back with tries by winger Geraint Williams, player/coach Colin Davies and fullback and skipper John Lumb with fly-half John landing two conversions.