RUGBY ROUND-UP

A hundred per cent record boasted by Newcastle Emlyn at the summit of League 1 West tumbled as the Red and Whites crashed to a 26-19 defeat against a superior Penclawdd outfit in the Loughor estuary.

When the rivals met in the Teifi Valley earlier in the season Emlyn sprang a 36-7 win, but it was a different scenario at The Rec as the Cocklemen rose to the occasion and fully deserved their sixth win of the term.

It was a first-rate all-round team performance by Penclawdd who have now won four league games on the trot.

The leaders had their moments and put their opponents under pressure in both halves but Penclawdd defended superbly as they held on near the end to take the spoils.

For the winners, who led 19-10 after the first 40 minutes, flanker Fergus Kneath went over for an early try with scrum-half and skipper Lee Gunnell and Tom Howell also touching down and there was a penalty try. Howell landed two conversions.

Alex Williams and Co will be anxious for a return to the straight and narrow this Saturday when fourth from bottom Llanelli Wanderers come calling.

Crymych are staring down the barrel after a 27-11 defeat at Gorseinon sent the north Pembrokeshire villagers plummeting to second from bottom and facing a relegation battle.

The clash between the rivals at Parc Lloyd Thomas in October resulted in a 30-10 win for the Preselimen but they never seriously threatened to complete a double at the Welfare Ground.

With barely five minutes remaining the visitors were in contention as they trailed by three points but Gorseinon finished with a flourish by springing two converted tries.

During the opening 40 minutes scrum-half Dafydd Phillips went over for a Crymych try and outside half Ifan Philips landed two penalties.

Centre Nicky Jenkins crossed for a home try converted by outside half Liam Popham who landed a penalty.

After Popham kicked another penalty during the second period the same player broke Crymych hearts with an interception try and he converted his score.

With the referee looking at his watch the Swansea side killed the game with a third try by flanker Kyran Craig and Popham added the extras.

Cardigan of League 3 West A, who have not been in action in the new year, make a return on Saturday against second in the table St Clears at King George V Playing Field.

When the rivals met in the Carmarthenshire village In October the Cardis suffered their heaviest defeat of the season when beaten 53-0.