RUGBY ROUND-UP

Producing a performance of high quality, Newcastle Emlyn handed a lesson to the students of Cardiff Metropolitan University at Ddol Wyber and gave a clear indication that they can pull clear of the relegation zone and climb the table.

A convincing 31-10 result avenged a 41-29 defeat suffered by the Teifisiders at Cyncoed back in September, and could put them in exactly the right frame of mind for the visit to Narberth this Saturday when Alex Williams and colleagues will be chasing a win hat-trick.

With fellow relegation battlers Beddau suffering a 45-6 defeat against leaders Pontypool it enabled the Red and Whites to move off the bottom of the table after a bonus point win.

A strong wind and driving rain was not conducive to Emlyn’s preferred expansive game, but despite downright dreadful conditions the homesters adapted well and fully deserved a third win from 11 starts.

The students went ahead early on when outside half Russell Bennett landed a penalty awarded for a scrummaging infringement.

Not surprisingly in the conditions it was an error-strewn contest but to their credit both sides endeavoured to serve up attractive fare.

On the stroke of half-time Emlyn pressure bore fruit when centre Steff Evans ran in for a try under the posts and fullback San Leonard added the extras.

With the wind at their backs the Red and Whites controlled matters for lengthy periods during the second half and increased their advantage with a try by flanker Callum Evans, converted by Leonard before it went to 19-3 after lock Bleddyn Davies touched down for an unconverted score.

With Emlyn attacking deep inside the Met 22 fly-half Bennett intercepted a pass and ran unopposed for a try, which he converted to give the visitors hope.

But soon afterwards a flowing Emlyn move led to winger Llyr Jones going over for a try wide out for a bonus point.

The home side’s fifth try was claimed by lock Osian Davies and converted by Leonard.

When Cardigan visited Laugharne on the opening day of the season in League 3 West A the Carmarthenshire villagers were winners by 22-10.

But it was an entirely different story in the return at a sodden King George V Playing Field as John Lumb and team-mates emerged 13-0 winners.

The platform for victory was laid up front where the home eight ruled the roost virtually throughout the 80 minutes.

The hosts led 8-0 at the break thanks to a try by player/coach and backrower Colin Davies who finished off a driving move and centre Emyr Harries increased the advantage with a penalty.

Despite having the elements in their favour during the second period the visitors could not breach a rock solid defence in which fullback Lumb impressed.

Another lineout drive culminated in prop Andrew Fletcher going over for his side’s second try and there was no way back for Laugharne.

The League 1 West game between Tenby United and Crymych was abandoned after 20 minutes as driving rain turned the Heywood Lane strip into a nightmare for players.

Referee Peter Edwards said conditions deteriorated rapidly and he felt that calling a halt to proceedings was the only option in the interest of safety.

The game will be re-arranged later in the season.