WRU Specsavers National Plate
Newcastle Emlyn 27 Yr Hendy 17
Newcastle Emlyn moved comfortably into the second round of the Plate after they enjoyed a well deserved win over Yr Hendy.
The red and whites who made several changes from their league game the week before ran in for four tries, starting with an opener from skipper Alex Williams.
Playing into a very strong wind the hosts got off to a bright start when winger Dan Davies slotted over a penalty but Hendy fought their way back into the game and following a penalty into the corner prop Shaun Williams forced his way over for an unconverted try.
This galvanised the home side who dominated possession and as the half hour approached the home pressure finally told when Williams was driven over the try line by his forwards.
From the restart Emlyn went further ahead when Gareth Thomson, playing in the unaccustomed number eight position, fell on the bouncing ball and set up a ruck. The ball was then spun out to centre Steffan Evans who made a fine break and supporting winger Llyr Jones crossed for an excellent try which was converted by Dan Davies.
With a couple of minutes to go before the break the visitors hit back with a carbon copy of their first try when second row Lee Thomas crashed over and this was converted by Morris.
Buoyed by this and a half time team talk the visitors started the second half in a very positive manner and were unlucky not to draw level when Morris missed a fairly simple penalty kick at goal
With the wind at their backs the red and whites dominated possession for long periods and they eventually broke through when hard working flanker Dafydd Rotie took the ball at pace and fed wingman Jones who crossed for his second try of the day converted by Davies.
The introduction of centre Teifion Davies brought much needed width and pace to the Emlyn attack and he proved to be a real handful and the fourth try from the hosts owed a great deal his vision. Another catch and drive by the forwards took play from half way deep into the visitors twenty two. When the ball was moved out along the backs Davies floated a perfect pass over the oncoming defenders heads and into the hands of winger Davies, who strolled in for a try which he was unable to convert.
It was Hendy though who had the final say when winger Sion Rosser broke deep from a counter attack and full back Steffan Howells was on hand to take a pass and cross for a smart try.
Hendy finished very strongly but the home defence stood firm and managed to keep their opponents out.
Excellent pics thanks to Gethin a Gwilym Vobe
