Division Two West

Amman United 9 Skewen 36

Amman United’s walking wounded managed to field a makeshift side against second–placed Skewen at Cwmaman Park, but after a bright start their brittle confidence and growing injury list cost them the game.

With front row men Tom Davies, Rob James and Cellan Phillips out, Amman were left without a recognised prop to call on so utility man Matthew Wrigley stepped up and into the breach.

A promising opening saw United pressurising the visitors and force an early penalty which Rhys Thomas sent over.

The makeshift pack, where Sean Mangan gave an outstanding performance once again, made the hard yards and pressed into the Skewen 22, allowing Adrian Thomas to drop into the pocket to land a drop-goal.

But Amman failed to deal with a quick line-out on their own try-line and conceded a needless score before their injury jinx struck once again and Doug Jenkins was forced off with a knee injury early on in the proceedings.

Jenkins was replaced by Quins regular Rhys Phillips while Liam Mangan was switched to hooker.

Rhys Thomas kicked a further penalty, but Skewen’s flanker notched a second try to give the visitors a 14-9 interval lead.

Skewen exploited the gaps in the second half as Amman failed to defend the rolling maul on two occasions, both leading to tries.

A depleted home side battled away, but the game was up in the second half against a very well-drilled side and Amman could have had no complaints in the circumstances.

United must now try and regroup to see out their remaining six games of the season, including four home fixtures.

Amman – with six games remaining, including four home fixtures – travel to Mumbles on Saturday.