RUGBY ROUND-UP

Continuing their rejuvenation Crymych showed great fighting qualities in springing a 12-10 win over visitors Whitland at Parc Lloyd Thomas to move towards the top three spots in League 1 West.

The on-song Preselimen notched their sixth win of the term and gave notice that they will be no pushovers when visiting Llanelli this Saturday to take on leaders Felinfoel who struggled to gain a narrow victory in north Pembrokeshire back in September.

In terms of subtlety the clash did not reach any heights, but a sizeable crowd at Parc Lloyd Thomas was treated to wholehearted commitment from both sides in an entertaining game.

Hero of the hour for Crymych was teenage replacement threequarter Harri Williams who landed a deciding penalty. The youngster was successful with an earlier kick and added a second after being sinbinned.

Forward power gave Crymych the edge and in this department No. 8 Guto Davies was a tower of strength.

Veteran outside half Gareth Davies put the hosts ahead with a penalty but the Borderers replied with a well-worked try by No. 8 Jack Morgan and fly-half Nico Setaro converted the score.

With the clock running down Harri Williams kept his nerve to land the all-important kick.

Backrow player/coach and fullback and skipper John Lumb stole the limelight for Cardigan with two tries apiece as the hosts sprang a 37-11 win over Tregaron at King George V Playing Field.

Also to the fore was former captain and outside half Emyr Harries with 12 points from two conversions, a penalty and drop goal.

Although the league title appears beyond the reach of Lumb and Co a top three finish has become a distinct possibility.

Also on the try list for the Cardis was winger Kieran Hurley while prop Dorian Pugh got a try for the visitors and outside half Huw Bonner landed two penalties.

Having a break from Championship rugby Newcastle Emlyn went down 36-21 at home against Bargoed of the Premiership in round one of the WRU National Cup.

The platform for a Bargoed victory was laid up front where a big pack of forwards controlled lengthy periods of the tie.

Outside half Josh Prosser kicked shrewdly time and again to peg back the Red and whites who had their moments but trailed 22-21 at half time and conceded a further 14 points during the second period.

Prosser nudged the visitors ahead with a penalty but Emlyn replied in double quick time when impressive scrum-half Mike Jones burst through for a try converted by fullback Shaun Leonard.

The Teifisiders increased the advantage when from a good move lock Haydn Baldwin crashed over for a try under the posts and Leonard added the extras.

Tries for the south Wales visitors came via hooker Lewis Lippiett who bagged a brace, centre Darren Hughes, winger Ashley Norton and replacement centre Jordan Howell with the remainder of the points coming from the boot of Prosser.

Also on the try count for Emlyn was winger Llyr Jones who went over wide out for Leonard to convert superbly from the touchline.