RUGBY ROUND-UP

Another solid all-round team performance with confidence flowing through the side enabled Newcastle Emlyn to complete a five-timer in League 1 West.

With the Red and Whites also through to round three of the WRU Plate these are exhilarating times at Dol Wyber.

In the run of five wins on the bounce Alex Williams and colleagues have amassed 184 points while conceding 33 compared to defending champions Felinfoel, who also boast a flawless record, and have 126 points with 59 against.

Something has to give on November 9 when the high-flyers go head-to-head in Llanelli, but before that there are more pressing matters with Emlyn visiting seventh in the table Pembroke this weekend and Foel travelling to fourth-placed Aberystwyth.

Although occupying a position in the bottom three Gowerton fought to the final whistle but were beaten by a far superior side despite the homesters uncharacteristically making a number of unforced errors.

Emlyn opened the scoring right at the start when centre Andrew Owens was released for a try under the posts, converted by fullback Shaun Leonard.

The classy No 15 increased the advantage with a long-range drop goal and before the interval centre Teifion Davies broke through for a try converted by Leonard.

Further scores came via hooker and skipper Williams, centre Owens again, lock Osian Davies and two for winger Llyr Davies.

In the same division Crymych lost for the third time in five outings as they were defeated 19-13 by long-standing rivals Whitland at Parc Lloyd Thomas.

Despite picking up a losing bonus point from a tight contest the Preselimen will be looking to put a winning run together and climb the table.

Not for the first time over the years the Borders’ vastly experienced outside half Nico Setaro was a thorn in the side of Crymych with 14 points.

Flanker Richard Sharp-Williams went over for a Crymych try in the opening 40 minutes but two spot on Setaro penalties nudged the visitors ahead at half time.

During the second half lock Ryan Bean and Whitland winger Gino Setaro went over for tries but as the latter’s cousin Nico landed his kicks home fullback Adam Phillips was off target with three attempts well within his range.

With time running out Setaro dropped a goal to ensure victory for his side.

Cardigan’s disappointing campaign in League 3 West A continued with a 39-14 defeat at Llanybydder – the fourth time the Cardis have been defeated in five fixtures.

‘Bydder led 18-7 at the interval and never looked like surrendering the initiative to opponents who battled hard but were lightweight up front and pushed off the ball time and again.

Outside half Steff Richards scythed through the visitors’ defence for a try which he converted and landed two penalties to go with a try by flanker Dion Howells.

The Cardis replied with a try by outside half Llyr Jones who converted the score.

During the second period right-winger Rhodri Davies doubled Cardigan’s try count and Jones added the extras to give his side hope.

But Llanybydder finished strongly with No 8 Ricky Davies, Howells and centre Llyr Jones crossing for tries, all converted by Richards.