GIVEN that there is a long way to go and Newcastle Emlyn are embroiled in a Swalec Championship relegation fight, the way in which the Teifisiders recovered from a mauling at the hands of RGC 1404 in North Wales the previous Saturday and turned on the style in springing a 22-8 win over visitors Cardiff Met could augur well for the remainder of the campaign.

Avenging a 34-17 defeat in the capital back in October enabled the Red and Whites to move away from the relegation zone, albeit by only four points.

Alex Williams and team-mates face another big test this Saturday when they visit third in the table Pontypool.

Despite gluepot underfoot conditions and heavy rain throughout the second half, both teams were to be praised for adapting well and endeavouring to serve up attractive fare.

Home winger Daniel Davies and Met centre Tom Morgan exchanged early penalties before Emlyn got the first try when good work by impressive scrum-half Dafydd Evans set up prop Gethin Davies for his namesake to convert.

When the students lost a lineout deep in their 22 prop Dai Jones crashed over for a try and Davies again added the extras.

As the visitors strove to get back into contention home fullback Shaun Leonard hardly put a foot wrong as he fielded high balls confidently and found touch with unnerving accuracy.

Cardiff had their moments, especially when good handling skills enabled winger Miles Moorhouse to go over for a try wide out.

After a handbags-at dawn incident in the middle of the pitch home flanker Joel Jones was sin-binned but the 14-men responded with a stirring performance.

In the dying moments scrum-half Evans capped a fine all-round performance when diving over in the corner for a try that went unconverted.

CRYMYCH were within a few minutes of glory against League 1 West leaders Dunvant at Broadacre but leading by three points the north Pembrokeshire villagers conceded a penalty try and accurate home kicker James Davies converted to give his side a 19-15 victory.

It was undoubtedly rough justice for the Preselimen who matched their high-flying opponents in virtually all departments.

The visitors were also left to rue two disallowed tries for skipper Tom Powell in the back row due to the match official being unsighted.

Outside half Davies landed four first half penalties for the Swansea side.

No. 8 Guto Davies went over for Crymych’s first try before outside half Rhys Davies landed a penalty and converted a try by his halfback partner Rhodri Davies.

Crymych earned a consolation losing bonus point but it could have been so much better.

After putting up such a rousing performance against the pacesetters Crymych will be eager to get back on the winning trail this weekend when Llanelli Wanderers are the visitors to Parc Lloyd Thomas.