RUGBY ROUND-UP

Players, officials and supporters of Crymych were left feeling rather flat after a 17-13 defeat at the hands of Aberystwyth in a closely-fought League 1 West home encounter.

It saw the Preselimen go to the bottom of the pile along with Pembroke, but despite the result there was a feeling at Parc Lloyd Thomas that matters could improve.

What gave rise to optimism was the homesters more than holding their own for most of the contest and with a little more rub of the green could have increased their return of one losing bonus point.

Matters were compounded for Crymych during the early exchanges when an injury robbed them of hooker Carwyn Rees.

Outside half Ifan Phillips slotted a penalty to put Crymych ahead but the home cause was not enhanced by injuries to the fly-half and veteran replacement Gareth Davies.

Speedy winger Ian Ellis went over for a try to put Aber in front and outside half Steff Rees added the extras.

During the second period winger Adam Cavell got a second try for the visitors converted by Rees who also landed a penalty.

Refusing to buckle Crymych bounced back with winger Tomos Phillips going over for a try wide out superbly converted by fullback Adam Phillips who also landed a penalty.

The return game, which was postponed earlier in the season, is at Plascrug on Saturday, April 11.

Recovering from disappointment at Penclawdd the previous Saturday back to strength Newcastle Emlyn roared to a 55-5 nine-try win over struggling visitors Llanelli Wanderers in League 1 West.

With Felinfoel going down at home against Gorseinon the Red and Whites moved four points clear at the top ahead of Llangennech who took over second spot.

Emlyn will be anxious to bank points at third from bottom Gowerton on Saturday to retain the leadership before the Six Nations beak.

Forced into duty at outside half due to injuries regular fullback Shaun Leonard dazzled with an array of skills while back from injury No. 8 Brynmor Jones was a tower of strength.

The homesters went ahead early on when fullback Dean James crossed for a brilliant solo try.

Wanderers replied in double quick time with an interception try by centre Rhydian Morgan, but that was the visitors’ only taste of success in 80 minutes.

As the Red and Whites ruled the roost and picked up a bonus point win further tries followed from lock Dan Havard (2), Leonard, winger Daniel Davies, second row Dafydd Morgan and winger Llyr Jones with Leonard converting four of the scores and landing a penalty.

When Cardigan visited St Clears in League 3 West A they conceded more than 50 points, and although showing a big improvement in the return lost 17-13 against second-placed Saints.

The Cardis picked up a losing bonus point but after holding the lead will surely be disappointed in losing the game.

During the opening 40 minutes centre Rhun Phillips sprinted over for a Cardigan try converted by outside half Llyr Jones who also landed two penalties.

Saints got right back into contention with a penalty try and Griffiths landed a penalty.

With a three-point advantage the Cardis looked as if they could hold on but despite brave defending succumbed to a try by lock Rhodri Thomas converted by Griffiths.

Despite defeat many followers at King George V Playing Field were of the view that it was a most encouraging performance by the home side.