RUGBY ROUND-UP

As expected Championship basement boys Newcastle Emlyn were defeated by champions-elect Pontypool in south Wales, but the Teifisiders put up a spirited showing in going down 36-24.

It will surely persuade them that repeat performances against relegation rivals in the run-in to the end of the campaign could avoid the drop.

In their third game this year Pooler amazingly recorded their 40th consecutive league victory, although the general consensus among the Pontypool Park faithful was that their favourites were below par – while some of the referee's decisions left the Red and Whites feeling hard done by.

Next up for Emlyn a week on Saturday is what many consider to be a must win game when fellow relegation fighters Beddau visit Ddol Wyber.

Pooler started brightly and when scrum-half Martin Luckwell ran in for a try under the posts converted by his halfback partner Mathew Lewis it appeared Emlyn were in for a torrid time.

But the visitors, who matched their opponents for lengthy spells before the home side sealed victory with an injury time try, were within a converted try of the hosts.

Emlyn got on the scoreboard when left-winger Daniel Davies slotted a straightforward penalty awarded for an offside infringement.

Pooler increased the advantage with a pushover try by flanker Scott Mathews, converted by Lewis, but the visitors bounced back with a try by outside half Steffan Evans from close range, converted by Daniel Davies.

Lock Curtis Gregory went over for a home try converted by Lewis and before the break left-winger Rhodri Usher got a try wide out for a bonus point.

During the second period home No. 8 Brendan Lampitt crossed for an unconverted try but refusing to capitulate the west Walians replied with a try by Daniel Davies and Steffan Evans converted.

Any hopes held by Emlyn of salvaging something from the game were dashed in injury time when home centre Clayton Gullis crashed over for a try that went unconverted.

When League 1 West rivals Crymych and Dunvant met in north Pembrokeshire earlier in the season the Preselimen emerged 20-18 winners but it was a different story at Broadacre as the Swansea side gained revenge by running out 31-12 winners.

Crymych contributed to their downfall with a number of unforced errors and will no doubt want to get this performance out their systems as a matter of urgency.

The Swansea side led 7-0 after the opening 40 minutes from a penalty try and after the break increased the advantage with tries by outside half Richard Lewis and winger Adam Williams-Parry, the latter converting his own score.

Centre Gethin Gibby replied for Crymych when scything through for a try but Williams-Parry gathered a cross field kick to spring his second try.

Flanker Sion Colella kept the visitors in contention with a try converted by Ifan Phillips, but Dunvant sealed victory with a try by replacement Ollie Beck converted Williams-Parry.

Division 3 West A mid-tablers Cardigan completed the double over Llangwm with a 33-5 win at King George V Playing Field, having come out on top 34-14 at Pill Parks back in October.

The Cardis notched five tries through winger Rhydian Jenkins who bagged a brace, centre Emyr Harries, skipper Marcus Castle and No. 8 Tom Taylor with Harries landing four conversions.

Llangwm had the satisfaction of scoring the try of the game when mobile and powerful No. 8 Josh Hicks ran through from deep inside his own half.