Ammanford notched a 26-17 win over Llangennech in a friendly fixture to leave them in good heart for the keenly-anticipated restart of the WRU season on November 13.

With a strong cross-wind affecting decision-making in the opening quarter of this match, between two sides who have not met for several seasons, it was a cagey start.

It took a very clever grubber by outside half, Ryan Williams, to open up the home defence. He was helped by the shape of the rugby ball as the bounce evaded the defender and fell into the grateful arm of wing Gareth Rees.

This was followed by a fine break by Ammanford and leggy second row, Callun Davies, went galloping down the wing. A last ditch tackle saved the day for the visitors.

The remainder of the half saw Ammanford pressure and although no tries were scored, they did win three penalties, which Williams slotted for a 14-0 half-time lead for the home team.

Llangennech made some changes at half-time and it galvanised the visitors.

Within minutes they had won a penalty to start eating into Ammanford’s lead.

This was soon followed by a try after some fine work down the left wing saw the ball moved infield for the visiting hooker to show some dancing feet to reach the line.

The visitors were showing why they were unbeaten so far this season when once again they moved to ball smoothly along the backs, the forwards then joined in, pressurising the home line and this allowed their scum half to dart over and score.

Ammanford’s 14-point lead had vanished, with Llan now up 14-17 - but not wanting to lose their unbeaten record, Ammanford responded well, going back on to the attack.

This allowed Williams to produce another of his trade mark chip and chases to reclaim the lead for Ammanford 21-17.

The last 15 minutes was very tense, with both sides pushing for the win, but the home fans relaxed when Ammanford were awarded a penalty with the last kick. The ball hit the upright, however, and Llan hacked the ball clear and chased it downfield.

Fortunately for Ammanford, No 8, Harri McBride was on hand to gather on the 10m line. He proceeded to beat four men and reached the visitors’ 22 where a quick ruck ball was moved wide for full back Ceri Rees to score.

After a couple of weeks’ break, the abridged WRU season begins on November 13. The Autumn Internationals will be on in the club as well as the Fireworks Night on Friday, November 5.