NEWCASTLE Emlyn put together a performance of which their coaches and supporters could be proud, as they registered a 37-18 bonus point Championship win against Skewen.

On a cold autumnal day, on a pitch made extremely heavy by the overnight rain Emlyn turned in a controlled, dominant performance, especially in the forwards.

Injuries played a crucial part in selection and during the game as the players who had to step into the fold performed admirably.

None more so than the revamped back row of Brynmor Jones, Joel James and Luke Kendall, along with the second row of Dylan Davies and Dyfed Morgan.

Probably the biggest back row the Red and Whites have ever fielded, they absolutely dominated the contact area, as did the two second rows in the line-out, with the visitors only winning two line-outs all game.

With the forwards dominant, Emlyn outside half Steffan Evans directed matters with all the skill and vision that he possesses, directing runners onto the ball from all phases of play.

In the previous meeting between the two sides the Skewen scrum had given Emlyn a torrid time, but the Emlyn front row of props Dai Jones and Dai Bryant, along with hooker Alex Williams, held their own against much heavier opponents, on a day that suited powerful scrummaging.

Despite a great deal of pressure from the kick-off it took until the 17th minute before Emlyn opened the scoring, as full back Llyr Davies ghosted through for the first score, converted by winger Iestyn Crompton.

Called in at the last minute to take over the kicking duties, Crompton ended with a personal tally of 22 points.

Crompton slotted two penalties and Skewen outside half Anthony Busselli responded with a kick of his own, before speedy scrum half Mike Jones crossed for Emlyn’s second try, again converted by Crompton.

Bushelli kicked another penalty, but the second period followed a similar pattern to the first half, with Emlyn putting together series after series of attacks.

Crompton increased the lead on the 20 minute mark with a well struck penalty kick from some 38 metres, and then it was replacement hooker Carwyn Rees who crossed over by the posts for their next try, which was converted by Crompton.

Skewen tried to run everything at Emlyn in the second half, but the Emlyn defence for most of the game was solid, with centre Teifion Davies leading the way with some excellent tackles.

Emlyn’s fourth try came on the half hour mark when winger Crompton managed to touch the ball down a metre from the dead ball line, before then converting.

Showing commendable spirit, the visitors attacked from the restart and they scored from a driving maul, from only the second line-out they had won, courtesy of flanker Richard Davies.

Then, with the last play of the match, Luke Myall crossed for a try by the posts, which Busselli converted, to bring to an end to a much-needed victory.