Emlyn start on a high

Although far too experienced to be carried away after one result Emlyn Director of Rugby Marc Lloyd couldn’t hide his delight after a first-rate team performance with defending of the highest quality.

Afterwards he said “It was a great confidence booster for the lads who gave a hundred per cent from start to finish and deserved their success. We’ll now concentrate on Maesteg Quins who come to Ddol Wyber next Saturday. They made a great start to the season with a big win over Aberavon Quins.”

While it was essentially a team effort by the Red and Whites there were several sparkling individual performances, none more so than from openside flanker Owain Powell and tight-head prop Gethin Davies.

Behind the scrum multi-talented outside half Rhydian Harries controlled the tempo of the game and his place kicking was again top notch.

The Teifisiders went into the lead with a well-worked try. After winning a lineout the ball was spread wide to left winger Teifion Davies who left two would-be tacklers in his wake before going over and Harries added the extras.

Centre Mike Smith brought Sisters back into the game with two penalties but Emlyn would have been further ahead but for the final pass not going to hand.

Smith landed his third penalty to nudge the homesters ahead but Harries replied with two successful kicks to give Emlyn a four point advantage.

The Dulais Valley side gained the advantage when from a driving lineout hooker Daniel Morgan went over for a try converted by Smith.

Harries squared matters with a spot on 30-yard penalty and with five minutes remaining 21-year-old former Carmarthen Quins centre Alun Howells crashed over for a try wide out and Harries converted superbly from the touchline.

The task facing promoted Crymych in Division One West was brought home as the Preselimen went down 20-8 against Carmarthen Athletic at Johnstown.

Despite the result it was an encouraging start by the north Pembrokeshire villagers who turned in a spirited performance that augured well for the challenges ahead.

The visitors showed a considerable amount of ball skills but are likely to face sterner tests especially against bigger and more physical opponents.

Carmarthen controlled the early exchanges and put points on the board when fullback Mike Saura landed two penalties.

Outside half Gareth Davies dropped a goal for the visitors who trailed by three points after the opening 40 minutes.

The Athletic changed tactics after the break and their driving play paid dividends as they went into a ten-point lead from a cracking try.

After good play by Steffan Phillips and replacement hooker Liam Elias the ball was worked to winger Luke Marshall who beat four defenders before cutting in for a try near the posts and Sauro converted.

Refusing to throw in the towel the visitors fought back with five minutes remaining when scrum-half Mathew Roebuck crossed for a try but it was too little and too late.

It was also a disappointing start for Cardigan in Division Three West as Llyr Griffiths and Co were beaten 22-14 by Pontarddulais at Coedbach Park.

The Cardis were in contention for much of the game but were left to rue conceding late points that handed victory to the Bont.

Cardigan’s cause was not enhanced by three yellow cards and during the second half the visitors lost centre Huw Davies with a serious eye-socket injury and Dan Evans who sustained a foot injury. Davies was taken to Morriston Hospital for treatment.

The Teifisiders notched a fine try by centre Aled Jones converted by outside half Iestyn Crompton but Gwyn Davies and outside half Gary Williams replied with tries for the home side, both converted by Williams.

Cardigan drew level when awarded a penalty try for a scrimmaging offence and Crompton added the extras but his opposite number Williams got his second try of the game and Jonathan Lloyd landed a late penalty.

The Cardis will be hoping for a change of fortune on Saturday when Llandeilo provide the opposition at King George V Playing Field.