RUGBY ROUND-UP

Bonus point wins in the final two Championship outings when hosting Tata Steel this Saturday and at Trebanos the following weekend could prove enough to save Newcastle Emlyn from relegation.

But it could be easier said than done after the Red and Whites went down 45-10 against Steel in Port Talbot earlier this month and lost 26-19 when Trebanos visited Ddol Wyber on the opening day of the term.

The Tivysiders put themselves in exactly the right frame of mind for the big challenges with a 28-12 win over fellow strugglers and visitors Maesteg Quins.

With the pack firing Emlyn gained the initiative in the opening quarter allowing scrum-half Dafydd Evans to control the tempo of the game.

Loose-head prop Lewys Jonathan evaded two would-be tacklers for a try near the posts and winger Daniel Davies added the extras.

Quins replied with a score by impressive flanker Matt Tidball converted by centre Lee Rowan.

Home fullback Shaun Leonard was as safe as houses under the high ball and his kicking from hand was of a high standard as he drove Quins back time and again.

Prop Emrys Davies powered over for a try converted by Davies to give the home side breathing space at the interval.

Emlyn increased the advantage to 14 points early in the second period as Daniel Davies caught a Steff Evans cross kick and went over for a try which he promptly converted.

Base of the scrum operator Evans intercepted a wayward pass to sprint 25 metres for a try under the posts and Davies obliged with the conversion.

With time running out centre Aled Evans ran in for a Quins try but it was a case of too little and too late as Emlyn picked up a vital bonus point win.

Crymych of League 1 West completed the double over visitors Gowerton when emerging 34-17 winners at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

The Preselimen led 17-10 after the opening 40 minutes thanks to tries by centre Gethin Gibby and winger Laurence Headlam both scores converted by outside half Ifan Phillips who also landed a penalty.

The Swansea visitors were in contention after a try by Lloyd Dudley-Jones converted by centre Josh Hamer who added a penalty.

As the north Pembrokeshire villagers upped the tempo during the second half there were tries for Ryan Bean, Tomos Phillips and No. 10 Phillips, the latter landing a penalty.

Crymych bring the curtain down on the season this Saturday when relegated Kidwelly are the visitors.

League 3 West A mid-tablers Llanybydder led 13-0 at the break against visitors Cardigan and there was no further score in a contest that failed to reach any great heights.

No. 8 and skipper Ricky Davies went over for an early ‘Bydder try with Steff Richards converting and landing two penalties.