It was a close game between Amman United and Llandeilo on the weekend.
The teams met on Saturday, September 7 for a WRU League 3 West match at Cwmamman Park.
AMMAN UNITED 13 LLANDEILO 11
Amman United got themselves out of jail to earn a seemingly unlikely-looking win at Cwmamman Park, with replacement lock Tom Watson’s last-minute corner try snatching victory out of the jaws of defeat. Outside half Iestyn Griffiths’ fine conversion sealed the comeback win.
The home side made the better start in this Division 3 West encounter; centre Liam Danter’s direct runs were gaining territory, while Matthew Madge, Evan Harrow and Daniel James provided a good solid front -row platform in the scrums;Alun Lewis and captain Rhydian Jones were their usual busy selves in attack.
A Griffiths penalty early on went just wide as Llandeilo, who failed to get into the Amman half for 20 minutes, soaked up the early pressure.
Iestyn Griffiths’ neat dropped goal opened the scoring, but at the other end, his opposite number Steff Roberts made no mistake with a penalty success.
United regained the advantage with a Griffiths penalty, but right on halftime, the visitors’ bravery was rewarded; they refused to kick an easy penalty, ran the ball, an excellent decision it turned out as captain Mark Harris gave the tryscoring pass to centre Will Charles-Davies who went over.
Turning around 8-6 behind, Amman began the second half in determined mood, Aled Myers winning some good lineout ball, while scrum half Lee Evans got his backs going well, and Gavin Lewis was solid at the back.
But the visitors enjoyed large periods of territory and possession;full back Nick Evans’ scything runs were giving United many problems, while forwards Rhys Vale, Llew Smith and Ceri Jones put in a good shift for their side.
The visitors suffered a blow when tryscorer Will Charles-Davies hobbled off with a leg injury, Bryn Davies his replacement.
Griffiths’ latest penalty attempt missed the mark for the Reds, who then lost scrum half Lee Evans to a yellow card for a high tackle with 15 minutes left. Llandeilo punished the 14-men, Steff Roberts making no mistake with the penalty to give his side an 11-6 advantage.
The Cae William side made some replacements near the end, hardworking number eight Jake Guring and hooker Harry Beynon making way for fresh legs.
Llandeilo still had the momentum it seemed and looked comfortable, but they were to be undone by a late yellow card, and this seemed to prove crucial as Amman’s last gasp desperate attacking in a bid to get themselves out of a pickle was rewarded with Watson’s late, late try.
Both these sides have a blank date on Saturday, Amman returning on September 21 with a trip to Tumble.
*Amman United Youth also took on Llandeilo Youth, the fixture preceding the senior sides’ meeting on the same pitch, with Amman, who led 33-0 at one point, defeating their visitors 33-10 in the end in an entertaining fixture. Amman Youth meanwhile are away at Tumble Youth in the Cup this Saturday.
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