Division One West

Amman United 37 Tenby United 37

This draw will feel like a defeat for the Amman, who seemed to have the game in the bag when leading 37-18 with some 12 minutes to go, but managed to leak three late tries to Tenby’s dangerous backs, who kept at it to the bitter end.

In a tight first half, the hosts began well.

Centre Jamie Davies in a welcome return from Plymouth Albion, went clean through but was denied.

Outside-half Rhys Williams’ penalty opened the scoring, but Tenby got a foothold with a penalty of their own. They also missed a sitter minutes later, and a dropped pass denied them from the restart with a certain try on.

With man of the match Craig Ratcliffe winning great lineout ball, and Tom Davies, Sean Mangan, Alun Lewis and Liam Mangan impressive, Amman dominated at the scrum, but it took a Tenby error to create the opening try as Davies intercepted to release wing Dean Williams, who ran in from distance to score.

Straight away, Tenby were gifted a try back from an Amman clanger when full back Gavin Lewis’ attempted clearance went straight into the visiting centre’s hands and he strolled in under the posts.

Amman forward pressure was rewarded with a Rhys Williams drop goal, and before half-time, good phase play saw both Tom Davies and Gavin Elliott held up on the Tenby try-line.

Just 11-10 up at the break, Amman seemed to up a gear after the restart and, from a Tenby fluff in midfield, scrum-half Joel Foster streaked in from 40 yards.

Coaches Wayne Williams and Gareth Williams looked pleased as Amman got on top, and Gavin Lewis made up for his earlier error, setting up the next try for centre Johnny Bevan.

The Seasiders came back with a close-in forwards’ try, but Amman hit the 30-point mark when Dean Williams scurried over for the bonus-point score with Rhys Williams converting.

A few late changes saw Darryl John and Steff Charles introduced by the hosts, who seemed to have notched the killer blow when Rhys Williams went over in the corner for a try converted by Adrian Thomas to make it 37-18 and a victory to mark big Matthew Wrigley’s 40th birthday.

But the home side took their foot off the gas and let in Tenby for two well-worked backs’ tries which gave them the bonus. And, with their tails up, Amman were left to rue an injury-time converted try that denied the hosts the win.

Amman next travel to Loughor, who defeated Ammanford in their opening fixture.

Amman United Youth are enjoying life under their new coach Karl Worsfold, but suffered a 27-7 defeat on their trip to Llandeilo Youth on Saturday, despite leading 7-6 at half-time.