It's going to be a long, hard season for Amman United, rock bottom of Division 2 West after seven straight defeats, and in light of their eight-point WRU points deduction on top.

But you could not fault their effort at a windswept Cwmamman Park; they were in the game right up   until the last 20 minutes after which a stronger, very much in-form Lampeter outfit wrapped up a hard-fought bonus point victory.

Amman's depleted numbers weren't helped by a few influential regulars being missing, and they made the worst-possible start; immediately from the kick-off, latecomers would have missed the opening try as wing Ryan Doughty went over in the first minute.

The home side gave a spirited reply, Rhys Howells running hard from fullback, while Sean Mangan, Tom Thorneycroft and Rhydian James tackled like demons and were dangerous in offence too. Scrumhalf Gavin Lewis almost put in Howells, but he was held-up on the line, only for Thorneycroft to recycle and crash over for the try. Iestun Griffiths gave the Reds the lead with the conversion.

But Lampeter aren't second in the table for nothing and hit back immediately, going wide from the restart and fullback Meirion Lloyds finished off well. Osian Jones converted superbly from the touchline.

United had some good pressure which resulted in a penalty and Griffiths coolly slotted over, but just before half time "Llambed" outside half Jones responded in kind at the other end to put his side 15-10 up at the break.

Lampeter had enjoyed a significant wind at their backs in the first half, but Amman failed to capitalise with the elements behind them in the second half and despite some good territory and possession, lacked the cutting edge at the business end. The visitors on the other hand looked dangerous, and, despite being reduced by a yellow card, their 14 men scored a third try, fullback Lloyds crossing for his second. Amman switched Gavin Lewis to flyhalf, Rhydian Jones to scrumhalf and Thorneycroft to the front row, but following several pick and goes near the home try line, Llambed got the inevitable looking bonus point try; after numerous phases, flanker Ifan John got the final touchdown. A visibly tiring Amman defence was breached once more as Brynmor Jones went over to make it 34-10.

To their eternal credit however, United heads didn't drop, they had a late rally in attack, and were well-rewarded as the hard-working Tom Thorneycroft thundered over for a late consolation try.

Final score: Amman United 15 – 34 Lampeter Town.

Amman battle on, and on Saturday make the long trek to Fishguard, hoping to reverse the defeat suffered against The Seagulls in their opening match at Parc yr Aman.