Division 1 west
Crymych 36 Llanelli Wanderers 34
Crymych continue to dig themselves out of trouble although they almost blew this victory as their opponents Llanelli Wanderers came storming back in the second half after they looked dead and buried at 36-6 down at the break.
The Preselimen though will not worry too much about their second half jitters as a win is a win and more importantly they have cut the gap between themselves and relegation rivals Kidwelly to just eight points and their match against the black and ambers on the final day of the season promises to be an exciting affair.
It was the Wanderers though who were first on the scoreboard when experienced outside half Jon George slotted over a couple of penalties but the hosts soon settled with the forwards in particular putting in big shifts with the likes of Guto Davies, Osian Davies and Sion Collella outstanding at the breakdown and carrying effectively and well backed up by stand out prop Zac France Miller and captain Rhys Davies.
Crymych crossed for six tries in the opening forty minutes with winger Lawrence Headlam grabbing a hat trick and full back Gavin Thomas, flanker Colella and prop France-Miller also touching down with three of these converted by centre Ifan Phillips.
The second half though was a totally different tale as the Wanderers came flying back and their fast improving scrum became a dominant force as the half progressed and the Preselimen were forced to concede under pressure with a penalty try coming early on. Scrum half Josh Weeds used the scrum advantage to good effect by sneaking over for a couple of tries and number eight Nick Harries did similar with a touchdown after picking up from the base. George added the extras to set up a very tense finale with the visitors having both slope and wind advantage.
The closing minutes were very nervy as a defeat would surely have ended all hopes of staying up as Crymych have to win their home games to avoid the drop and they showed great character to keep the opposition out and to hang on for another very important victory.
The Preselimen are now closing in on Kidwelly the third from bottom side but crucially they have three games in hand. Next up for Rhys Biki Davies and his troops is an away fixture at champions elect Felinfoel this weekend, which may well go the way of the home side but Kidwelly are away at Aberystwyth so Crymych fans will be hoping that if they come unstuck against the brewery men their Ceredigion rivals will come to their rescue.
After this Crymych have home games to complete against Tenby, Llangennech, Felinfoel topped off by two crunch encounters in the final week against bottom side Tycroes and then Kidwelly.