A LATE penalty by Crymych centre Ifan Phillips sealed a well-deserved 27-25 win over visitors Tondu to secure their place in the last 16 of the national Swalec Plate.

The Preseli men appeared to be heading out of the competition on the hour, with the hosts trailing by a dozen points, but they mounted a tremendous fight back - and the boot of Phillips put them in front, before they had to hang on for the win.

The visitors, who are currently enjoying a safe mid-table position in Division One Central, went into the break 13-10 ahead, and they were good value for their lead.

Inside centre Mathew Davies crossed for a try, after some good work by number eight Adam Harries, and that score was converted by outside centre Josh Tatchell, who also slotted over two penalties.

Crymych replied with a touchdown byformer Cardigan scrum half Luke Rogers, and this was converted by Phillips, who also landed a penalty to bring the half to a close with his team also on double figures.

Tondu increased their lead after the break with tries from left winger Sam Grabham and lock Steff Jones, one of which was converted by Tatchell, but the Preseli men weathered the storm and came back strongly through their forwards, with number eight Osian Davies and second row Dion Gibby prominent.

Davies was then rewarded for his hard work with a try, that was converted by Phillips, and the talented centre then ran in for a try himself, which he also converted, to put his team within sight of victory at 24-25, with 10 minutes remaining.

Tondu, who were well led by skipper Hywel Davies, hit back, and Crymych were forced to make some timely tackles, with the likes of Carwyn Phillips, Llyr Davies and Harri Llewellyn putting in some big hits to keep the opposition out.

With just a few minutes to go, Phillips was presented with a fine chance to put his team into the lead with a penalty kick, and he duly obliged - before Tatchell had the home crowd biting their fingernails in the dying seconds when he was also presented with a match winning opportunity, but fortunately for the hosts he missed his kick and Crymych hung on to win.