WRU Championship.
Newcastle Emlyn 20 Rhydyfelin 12
Newcastle Emlyn returned to winning ways after a very lean nine week spell but they were well worth their success on this occasion.
The blustery conditions made it difficult for either side but it was the hosts who opened the scoring when prop Dai Jones gathered from a charge down to pounce for a try under the posts which was converted by full back Shaun Leonard.
The red and whites went further ahead when a long clearance kick was fielded by Leonard who sent the ball out to winger Llŷr Jones who sped round his marker to skilfully cross in the corner to give the home side a 12-0 lead.
Rhydyfelin came storming back through their forwards and after several drives towards the Emlyn line flanker Kevin Briggs barged his way over in the corner to make the score 12-5 on the half hour.
The visitors started the second half determined to attack and the ball was moved quickly across the line which allowed full back David Gratton to bring the sides level with a try in the corner which he converted.
The Red and Whites then emptied their bench in an attempt to take the steam out of the Rhydyfelin renaissance with props Lewys Jonathan and Emrys Davies coming on along with Gareth Thompson for Elliot Rees in the back row. Centre Steff Evans took over at outside half from Sion Edwards while Mike Jones came on as scrum half with Dafydd Evans moving to the wing.
Full back Leonard slotted over a long-range drop goal to regain the lead for the hosts and they went further ahead when Steff Evans crossed for the Red and Whites’ third try to leave Emlyn with an eight point cushion with a few minutes left of play.
The home team sensed the possibility of a bonus point and kicked deep into the visitors’ half, securing lineout ball against the throw and setting up a driving maul. Drive after drive was held up by the excellent Rhydyfelin defence who eventually won a scrum to bring the game to an end.
A valuable win for the red and whites and one that will hopefully help launch a steady climb out of the relegation zone over the next few months.
