National Plate Round Four:

Crymych 12-7 Penallta

Crymych rose to the occasion on Saturday as they produced a determined display to reach the final eight of the National Plate competition at the expense of current holders Penallta.

The visitors are lying third place in Division One East but were unable to wear down the Preseli Men’s stubborn resistance after four Ifan Phillips penalties put the home side 12-0 up at he break..

The Preseli Men had first advantage of the elements at Parc Lloyd Thomas and with their pack playing well against a powerful Penallta eight - who ried to disrupt at the breakdown but ultimately gave away too many penalties..

The home eight was rock solid thanks to a tight five of Jason Nicholls, Lee Griffiths, 18 year old Kemsley Mathias, Owain Evans, and skipper Rhys ‘Beaky’ Davies, with the back row of Aled Harries, Richard Sharp-Williams and Sion Colella all key in the ball-winning stakes.

Half backs Arwel Davies and Luke Rogers worked well together and centre Ifan Phillips maintained his recent kicking form as he landed thse four penalties to put his side in charge at the break.

But Penallta showed what a danger they can be as they started the second period with a bang, as prop Kieran Mahoney was driven over for a try goaled by outside half Joseph Scriven.

It meant that Crymych had 30 minutes to stay in front and they managed this feat thanks to their pack and some committed covering led by 38 year old centre Gareth Davies, and the back three of Nick Bevan, Dafydd and Tomos Phillips.

Guto Davies, Steffan Harries and Llyr Davies also came off the bench to make useful late contributions and Crymych were able to celebrate making the quarter-finals - and now will eagerly await the draw as they lie just two wins away from a final in the Principality Stadium.

The result also gives Randall Williams' team crucial momentum ahead of a vital Division One West game away to Llanelli Wanderers this Saturday.

Crymych: Tomos Phillips,Dafydd Phillips, Ifan Phillips, Gareth Davies, Nick Bevan, Luke Rogers, Arwel Davies, Jason Nicholls, Lee Griffiths, Kemsley Mathias, Owain Evans, Rhys Davies, Aled Harries, Richard Sharp-Williams, Sion Colella. Replacements: Steff Harries, Llyr Davies, Guto Davies, Carwyn Phillips.