Rugby

Leaders Emlyn left frustrated

Swalec Division Three West

Penclawdd 21

Newcastle Emlyn 15

DIVISION Three West leaders Newcastle Emlyn suffered a rare defeat when they lost to high-flying Penclawdd, but the title hopes of Emyr Jones’ side still remain very high, despite this disappointing result.
The dejected looks on the faces of the Newcastle Emlyn players at the pitch side post mortem following this game told a story of its own. The looks of frustration and annoyance as player coach Jones castigated his players was all too apparent, and it was a frustrating game all through, with only one team looking to spin the ball.
The hosts opted to play a very conservative game by kicking long into the corners of the park, and these proved to be winning tactics, with all their points coming from the boot of stand-off Jamie Moore.
Emlyn are getting punished for poor discipline far too often when within sight of their own posts, and paid the price.
The home side started positively and were soon ahead through Moore, while the visitors were camped in their own half.
When they did manage to break out through the efforts of Rhydian Harries, centre Jones and full back Iestyn Crompton, the Penclawdd defence held firm.
Moore slotted over three more penalties in the opening half, before Harries responded with two for the visitors, and the pattern of play was very similar after the break, with both defences holding firm.
Emlyn’s chances of crossing the line were hampered by a succession of handling errors, and Moore added to his personal tally in the second half, as his side came through for a win they just about deserved.
Emlyn though were disappointing and if they go up as expected they are going to have to work out how to play these type of teams, who keep things very tight.
Emlyn have a rearranged match at home to Laugharne on Wednesday, 17 March.
• Newcastle Emlyn’s second team moved to second spot in Division One of the Llanelli District Worthington Championship with a 17-10 win against Kidwelly.
There were tries by fly-half Owen Davies, hooker Haydn Morgan and full-back Gethin Davies, who added a conversion.