ABERYSTWYTH RFC produced a performance full of determination and character to notch a sixth success of the season in Division One West with a 17-11 win at Crymych last weekend.

They had been disrupted on the day by the late withdrawal of scrum half Llyr Thomas, who was replaced by elder brother Ifan, but he gave a master class on how to play the number nine role.

The game was fiercely competitive, with some strong tackling from both sides, and play remained between the 22s for the first 25 minutes. The early loss of hooker Carwyn Rees seemed to disrupt the Crymych line-out, but the hosts continued to scrummage very strongly.

The Preseli men also lost their outside half, Ifan Phillips, to a bad elbow injury after half an hour - and his replacement, Gareth Davies, only lasted five minutes before damaging his shoulder.

After 33 minutes, Adam Phillips kicked a penalty for Crymych after an Aber ruck infringement - but this only served to raise Aber’s efforts.

In the 37th minute Dorian Jones stole a Crymych line, and after a great kick by Ian Ellis, and some great handling, Adam Carvell crossed over in the corner. Steff Rees kicked a great conversion.

In the lengthy injury time, Steff Rees sustained a nasty cut to his mouth and Harry Hewson came on as a blood replacement, whilst Steff had strapping fixed to his face.

The second half started with Aber having to absorb a lot of pressure in their 22, but the scrum held firm and Aber eventually weathered the storm, despite having a forward yellow-carded.

When Aber worked their way up the field, Paul Stubbs was able to win a penalty by standing strong in the ruck, and Steff Rees slotted it over.

This prompted Crymych to redouble their efforts and finally centre Carwyn Phillips scored in the corner, but the conversion kick went wide.

Aber tried to relieve the storm by introducing fresh legs, who all had an impact, but with 32 minutes gone in the second half Crymych’s Adam Phillips kicked a penalty after Aber were penalised for not pushing straight.

The hosts were into the lead for the first time, but Aber really showed their character and battled for everything.

An intelligent break by replacement flanker Steffan Rattray got the team into a good position and further determined running from all led to Ian Ellis going over in the corner for a try, that was well converted by Steff Rees to seal an excellent away win.

This weekend Aberystwyth host Gorseinon, whilst Crymych will travel to Whitland.

NEWCASTLE EMLYN 58 LLANELLI WANDERERS 5

NEWCASTLE Emlyn responded to their first league defeat of the season with a resounding nine try win at home to Llanelli Wanderers.

The pitch, considering the deluge it had had during the week, was in almost perfect condition for running rugby and testament to the hard work put in by the groundstaff, led by Geraint Jones.

The welcome return from injury of experienced Brynmor Jones was a huge bonus, as was the play of Shaun Leonard, in the unaccustomed role of outside half.

Emlyn got off to an almost dream start when, after only three minutes, pacy full back Dean James gathered a long twenty two metre drop out just inside his half and went on a run, brushing aside some five would-be tacklers to cross for the try wide out.

Wanderers replied fairly quickly as they intercepted a long pass from another Emlyn attack, kicked downfield and centre Rhydian Morgan won the race to touch down.

Emlyn responded as powerful runs by Jones, hooker Dai Jones, prop Lewys Jonathan, second row Dan Havard, and flanker Osian Davies continually crossed the gain line, and put the home side on the front foot.

A few of close range drives were halted, and the ball was moved wide for full back Dean James to cross in the corner for his second try.

Leonard extended Emlyn’s lead with a penalty, and approaching the half hour second row Dan Havard stormed over for a try, which was converted by Leonard.

The bonus point try came just before half-time, as Dean James picked up a bouncing ball and fed supporting flanker Osian Davies for a try, converted by Leonard.

Five minutes into the second half powerful centre Andrew Owens broke downfield from a scrum and fed supporting winger Dan Davies, who crossed for a try, converted by Leonard.

It was all Emlyn now and a flowing attack saw scrum half Mike Jones break through the defensive line.

He then fed Owens, who was brought down just short of the line, but the ball was quickly recycled and fed to second row Dyfed Morgan to cross for a converted try.

The best try of the day saw the ball moved from one side of the field to the other and prop Emrys Davies passed inside to winger Llyr Jones for his first league try of the season, again converted.

Emlyn crossed the 50 point line on the half hour as Leonard passed to inside centre Owens, looped around him, took the return pass for a try which he also converted.

The scoring was completed when Emlyn ran back a kick ahead by Wanderers and some neat inter passing saw Dan Havard cross for his second try, to round off a very satisfactory display.