RUGBY ROUND-UP

A seventh Championship defeat from eight starts in going down 41-19 against fellow strugglers Beddau in Rhondda Cynon Taf left Newcastle Emlyn

at the foot of the table and facing what many see as a must-win encounter with Maesteg Quins in the Teifi Valley a week on Saturday.

With four clubs relegated this term it is clear that the Red and Whites need to bank points as they are already in danger of playing catch-up.

After a fighting if losing performance against leaders Pontypool the previous Saturday, the Teifisiders were hopeful of getting something from

their visit to the former mining village near Pontypridd but in the event the home side, who like their opponents had won only once previously,

deserved their five-point haul.

The writing was on the wall for the visitors before the interval as they trailed 24-0 despite some encouraging moves and good work in the pack.

As the Mount Pleasant Park side laid the platform for victory first half tries came via lock Glenn Slater, scrum-half Jack Secher and winger

Adam Ashford with outside half Hywel Chatham landing three conversions and a penalty.

Emlyn improved significantly during the second period as early tries by winger Daniel Davies and flanker Jon Hill, both converted by Shaun Leonard

gave hope to the travelling fans.

Even after home No. 6 James Cashin crashed over for a try the visitors stuck to their task and replied with a second Hill touchdown – Leonard hit

an upright with the conversion attempt.

With Emlyn wilting Beddau asserted and further tries by winger Kieran Gay and replacement flanker Josh Thomas sealed victory.

Depleted Crymych of League 1 West also failed to make a long journey east pay dividends as the north Pembrokeshire villagers were knocked out of

the WRU National Plate 29-17 by Blaenavon of League 1 East.

The Preselimen were level at 17-17 at half time but fell away in the second half as the homesters powered into round three.

Hero of the hour for Blaenavon was speedy winger Marcus Jones who crossed for four tires while outside half Darren Roach landed two

conversions and a penalty.

For the visitors there were tries for scrum-half Dafydd Phillips and winger Tomos Phillips , both converted by outside half Ifan Phillips who

also landed a penalty.

There was better news for Cardigan who emerged 34-14 bonus point winners over Llangwm in an entertaining League 3 West A game at Pill Parks.

Llangwm were in the game trailing by seven points when Vale Grice was red-carded and the 14 men failed to hold the visitors who romped home.

Cardigan led 10-0 after the opening 40 minutes thanks to tries by winger Rhydian Jenkins and centre Llyr Jones.

During the second period the Wasps crossed for two tries by lock Craig Grice and outside half Lewis Murphy, both converted by fullback Luke Hayman.

But it was not enough as the Cardis went in for a further four tries through Llyr Jones, Tom Taylor, Gruff Lewis and Iwan John.