Tivyside rugby round-up / by JOHN ADEY

NEWCASTLE Emlyn are through to the semi-finals of the WRU Plate after they notched a convincing 27-10 win over Division One West Central visitors Kenfig Hill.

The Division One West title contenders turned in one of their best all-round team showings in recent seasons in front of a large Dol Wyber crowd, swollen by an influx of visiting supporters.

The semi-final will be held at a neutral ground on Saturday, April 2, and the draw is to be made tonight (Tuesday).

Emlyn head coach Marc Lloyd will be hoping to celebrate winning the Plate in his tenth season at the helm.

“If we play like we played today we can give anyone a game," he said after the game. "The lads were tremendous.”

Playing into a strong wind Emlyn led 10-7 after the opening 40 minutes, their points coming from tries by centre Andrew Owen and fullback Sean Leonard.

Flanker Ben Jones crossed for a try for the visitors, converted by Mike Kennedy.

The visitors drew level early in the second half with a Kennedy penalty and that’s how it remained for 20 minutes before creative Emlyn went clear.

Centre Owen went over for his second try, converted by Leonard, and the score was increased when left winger Dean James crossed the whitewash, again converted by Leonard who also landed a penalty.

Quarter-Final results: Aberystwyth 15 Treorchy 23; Gowerton 22 Brecon 45; Newcastle Emlyn 27 Kenfig Hill 10; Penallta 27 Newbridge 10.

In Division Three West A, eighth in the table Aberaeron drew 6-6 with Cardigan.

The game at the seaside was played in atrocious underfoot conditions, but credit to both sets of players who endeavoured to play attractive rugby.

Cardigan, currently fifth in the league, were well served by second row Sion Phillips, who switched to prop after Gary Cox went off injured.

Outside half Llyr Jones landed two penalties for the Cardis while home stand off Rhodri Jenkins did likewise for his side.

Next up for Cardigan is Haverfordwest away on March 26, followed by a home game against Tregaron on April 9.

Results: Saturday, 12 March:

Division One West: Gorseinon 34 Whitland 28; Llanelli Wanderers 14 Pembroke 26; Yr Hendy 6 Felinfoel 3.

Division Two West: Burry Port 24 Carmarthen Athletic 15; Kidwelly 62 Tenby United 5; Milford Haven 5 Pontarddulais 15; Nantgaredig 17 Mumbles 17; Pontyberem 22 Loughor 7; Tycroes P Fishguard P.

Division Three West A: Aberaeron 6 Cardigan 6; Llangwm 12 Pembroke Dock Quins 36; Neyland 15 Llanybydder 11; Tregaron 0 Haverfordwest 24.

Division Three West B: Cefneithin 14 Trimsaran 8; Llandeilo 29 New Dock Stars 10; Llangadog 5 Llandybie 13.