Amman United 40 Cardigan 19 (From South Wales Guardian)

Amman United 40 Cardigan 19

11:00am Thursday 10th January 2013 in Sport

Division Three West

AMMAN United remain two points clear at the top of the table after another hard fought bonus-point victory against a battling Cardigan side.

Both sets of players and supporters held a silent tribute before the game for former Amman, Bridgend and Welsh international schoolboy Dai Thomas, whose presence was sadly missed at his usual spot behind the posts.

The matchball was signed by the players and presented to his family afterwards.

Latecomers to the game missed a lightning start by the leaders as Dean Williams’ first-minute corner try caught the visitors cold. Rhys Thomas arrowed over the conversion as the homesters extended their early advantage.

However, it took another 15 minutes before a slick move which went through many hands ended with wing Johnny Bevan crossing for a second try, again converted by Thomas.

With scrum-half Ryan Williams giving the swift back-line good service, the Cardi defence was soon carved open again as Williams and Gavin Lewis combined well before new centre Ricky Jones, recently arrived from Carmarthen Athletic, swooped to grab his try.

But Cardigan were dangerous – of only in fits and starts, and earned their deserved reward just before half-time when. from a rolling maul, they crashed over for a converted try in the corner.

The visitors continued to cause problems after the turnaround – a line-out catch-and-drive just being held up on the line by United. but the home side broke and a lung-bursting run from centre-turned-forwardMatthewWrigley from halfway was only thwarted by a last gasp tackle a yard short of the line. But the quickly recycled ball went wide for Williams to finish off again and claim the bonus point.

Amman, who brought on sub Rob James, were grateful to little wizard Lewis for the next try as his spellbinding run created a gap, and his long pass found Williams who burst through for his hat-trick.

Thomas slipped while stepping up for the extras but his conversion attempted still sailed over between the posts.

With the game won, United switched off in the final quarter, allowing the Cardis to enjoy a far greater deal of the possession.

And the visitors took full advantage when a good midfield move saw the ball swung wide to create a second score.

With the game ebbing and flowing, Wrigley crashed through the defence to register his second try ten minutes from the end.

But Cardigan heads refused to drop and the West Walians’ never say die attitude got them a third try in the last minute.

Amman were excellent in parts, but very open defensively in others, leaving much room for improvement.

However, the back row of Dai Matthews, Karl Worsfold and AndrewLacey deserved praise for putting in a good shift while Liam Mangan battled away manfully throughout.

Amman will be at home again on Saturday when they entertain Tumble.