Division One West

Amman United 19 Whitland 13

Amman United appear to have finally found their mojo – and now they have their hands on it they show no signs of letting go.

Sitting second-bottom and deep in the relegation mire just three weeks ago, Amman now find themselves in ninth after four wins from their last five games – only a nail-biting three-point defeat at the seasiders of Tenby their only blemish since the January 3 loss at Ammanford.

Amman, having dominated the first half, were made to scrap for the win as they found their backs to the wall late on courtesy of a spirited Whitland comeback.

On the other hand, the hosts were just a try short of what would have been a valuable bonus point.

The home pack dominated early on with Liam Mangan, Matthew Wrigley, Karl Worsfold and Doug Jenkins carrying well.

Early home pressure mounted and, after numerous phases, scrum-half Ryan Williams burrowed under a mound of bodies to open the scoring.

Chances however were few and far between for both side, and wing Liam Smith’s kick and chase got the crowd going, but Whitland were on hand to clear.

A second home try arrived right on the stroke of half-time when Smith set off a series of passes involving Rhys Thomas and Adrian Thomas, before the wide man popped up to take the telling pass and finish the superb move he started. Thomas’ conversion gave United a 12-3 interval lead.

Young Dan Jones, who had enjoyed a storming game against Llangennech came on during the break to replace the injured Liam Mangan.

Amman were quick from the blocks in the second half and made a dream start when wing Dean Williams went over for his fifth try of the season, converted by Thomas.

But, from then on Amman found themselves on the back foot as Whitland enjoyed a real purple patch of possession and territory. Were it not for some poor decision making from the visitors with men over, Amman could have been punished.

Instead, it took a sound defensive performance from the hosts and some big hits from the likes of Sean Mangan, Wrigley, Alun Lewis and replacement Craig Radcliffe to keep the visitors at bay.

Despite heavy pressure, all Whitland had to show was a penalty, before Amman were reduced by a yellow card to Christian Gregory as the pressure continued .

The visitors kept up the fight to the end, and, as Amman again failed to keep possession, the visiting winger ran in from 40 yards after turnover ball to secure an injury time try. The touchline conversion gave Whitland a vital losing bonus point, but Amman’s improvement rumbles on.

Amman’s next league fixture is a week on Saturday (February 21) at second-placed Newcastle Emlyn.