Rugby

Emlyn push hard for title honours

Swalec Division Three West

Newcastle Emlyn 22

Haverfordwest 5

A POWERFUL first half performance by Newcastle Emlyn set up another impressive win to keep them at the top of Division Three West, writes Andrew Clarke.
There were none better for the Reds than talented number eight Alex Williams, who claimed two tries to put his side on track.
The hosts ran into a healthy 22-5 lead at the break and it was a major surprise to many watching that they were unable to add to this in the second half, although conditions underfoot were very difficult.
The Blues, who had lowered the colours of Cardigan a week earlier, struggled in both the scrum and line-out against a very well-drilled pack and were soon behind.
Williams crossed for his first try of the game to open the scoring on 15 minutes as he rounded off a movement from a scrum.
A second try followed shortly afterwards when full back Iestyn Crompton entered the line at pace, and he flung a long pass out to Marc Lloyd, who sent Bedwyn Rees over to score a try out in the corner.
Williams grabbed his second try to take the home side further ahead, and stand off Rhydian Harries slotted the conversion.
The Blues though came bouncing back when centre Craig Barnett rounded off a fine passage of play between winger John Whitticombe and scrum half Mathew Davies, and this proved to be the only score of the match for the Pembrokeshire outfit
Emlyn responded with the all-important fourth try from flanker Llyr Evans just before half time to clinch the bonus point, and the back rower was superb throughout along with ex-skipper and flanker Gethin Phillips and number eight Williams.
Emlyn are five points clear of Llandeilo, who won 19-0 against Penclawdd, while Crymych beat third-placed Gorseinon 18-3, to move level on points with their visitors.

Pictured above: Newcastle Emlyn’s Haydn Baldwin is brought to a standstill against Haverfordwest.