RUGBY ROUND-UP

After relegation from the WRU Championship at the end of last season Newcastle Emlyn are taking League 1 West by storm with four wins on the bounce, the latest success a 36-5 demolition of Penclawdd at Dol Wyber

A bonus-point win over the outplayed Cocklemen enabled the Red and Whites to join Felinfoel at the summit.

The Gower Peninsula villagers were promoted from League 2 last term and have already showed they are capable of consolidating in the higher grade but likely to experience difficulty against the likes of Emlyn who have quality throughout the side.

Emlyn led 15-0 after the opening 40 minutes, the points coming from tries by backrower Elliott Rees and hooker Alex Williams, the first score converted by fullback Shaun Leonard who also landed a penalty.

As the homesters continued to dominate after the break further tries came via Leonard, Alex Williams and scrum-half Dafydd Evans with Leonard adding a further six points with the boot.

This Saturday the Red and Whites take a break from league action when hosting Nantgaredig of League 2 West in round two of the WRU Plate.

Despite defeat against League 1 West pacesetters Felinfoel seven days previously Crymych pushed the visitors to the limit and on Saturday sprang a 30-10 win over Gorseinon at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

It was nip and tuck for most of the first half when the rivals were level from penalties by home outside half Jack Davies and his opposite number Rhodri Phelps.

Just before the break young fly-half Davies surged through for a try and during the second period he crossed for a second score to go with touchdowns by winger Lawrence Headlam and lock and skipper Rhys Davies.

Gorseinon snapped a second half try through Josh John, converted by outside half Phelps but it was a case of too little and too late.

Following up a comfortable pre-season friendly win over Cardigan, county rivals Aberaeron again came out on top 26-14 in a League 3 West A game at King George V Playing Field.

Outside half Rhodri Jenkins was the hero of the hour for the visitors as he crossed for a try and landed four penalties and two conversions for a personal haul of 21 points.

Winger Ivan Slinger also got a try for Aeron who led 12-0 at the interval.

During an improved second half showing the Cardis got tries through scrum-half Danny Bradshaw and halfback partner Llyr Jones who added the extra four points.