Division One West

Amman United 7 Newcastle Emlyn 25

Although not playing badly at all, that all-elusive first victory still eludes Amman United following a frustrating loss at Cwmamman Park.

Amman’s Achilles Heel seemed to strike again, with second-half ill-discipline meaning they were awarded no less than five yellow cards, following a very tight opening half.

The visitors took full advantage, managing to score two converted second half tries when the home side were at their most vulnerable with just thirteen players on the pitch.

Amman boast a very good record against Emlyn over the years, having come up similarly through the leagues together.

But United were soon chasing the game after making a dreadful start as the visitors crossed for a third-minute opening try.

Amman managed to weather the early storm, despite conceding a further penalty on 20 minutes, and got a foothold in the game with good possession from scrums and line-outs.

Their improved play brought due reward when just before half-time, man of the match flanker Alun Lewis gathered from a line-out five yards out and, from second phase ball, fellow forward Craig Ratcliffe crashed over under the posts for a try which scrum-half Joel Foster converted.

But from a promising interval position when they trailed by just a point, Amman managed to let the match drift away in a stop-start second half thanks to the flurry of sin-binnings.

The visitors added a penalty early in the second half, and Amman brought on some extra new troops to aid the cause, with Gavin Elliott coming on along with warhorse Karl Worsfold, enticed out of retirement to help the effort.

But Amman’s indiscipline ultimately cost them dear and their wait for the first win goes on.