The conditions on Saturday did not suit the young Ammanford style of running rugby but did suit the direct, aggressive running approach of Newcastle Emlyn (NCE). The home side tackled their hearts out but, in the end, the huge number of tackles took its toll.

South Wales Guardian: A minute's silence for Ammanford's club president Huw JonesA minute's silence for Ammanford's club president Huw Jones (Image: Stuart Ladd)

NCE started with a purpose and a move off the back of the scrum saw the scrum half squeeze over. Ammanford responded well and from an attacking lineout some nice hands put centre and skipper, Kai Richards over under the posts and Sam Potter put the home team into the lead.

South Wales Guardian: Newcastle Emlyn on the attack.Newcastle Emlyn on the attack. (Image: Stuart Ladd)

At this stage the game was fairly even, NCE retook the lead with a penalty, and it was not until the last five minutes of the half that they scored from another close in scrum making the score at the half.

This was a game for the purists a real trudge in the mud. The home side did their best tackling everything that moved in a red and white shirt but with 10 minutes to go the dam bust and NCE scored two nice tries. Although they battered the home side they showed in the two tries the ball handling side of their game. The final try with the game won went the length of the field making the final score Ammanford RFC 7 – 29 Newcastle Emlyn RFC.

South Wales Guardian: Ammanford on the attackAmmanford on the attack (Image: Stuart Ladd)

With the weather as it is Ammanford’s running team may have to get used to doing a lot of tackling so a tackle bag for Christmas may not be a bad gift!!

South Wales Guardian: Lineout actionLineout action (Image: Stuart Ladd)

South Wales Guardian: Emlyn crossing for one of their second half triesEmlyn crossing for one of their second half tries (Image: Stuart Ladd)

South Wales Guardian: Battling for the ball.Battling for the ball. (Image: Stuart Ladd)