League Two West

Amman United 17 Mumbles 26

Despite a gallant effort and some heroic defending, Amman United sank to another defeat at Cwmaman Park.

The home side made the perfect start however when outside-half Gavin Lewis’ punt ahead caused problems in the Mumbles defence and wing Geraint Davies followed up to slide in and touch down.

United’s lightning start almost continued, but with the tryline beckoning, full back Ceri Jones failed to capitalise and a promising move petered out.

Mumbles hit back and cranked up the pressure.

After several line-out catch-and-drives and follow-up phase play, the visitors created an overlap and the ensuing scramble saw the referee award a penalty try for a deliberate knock-on from an Amman hand.

With the home side forced to defend for large periods, Alun Lewis put in two shuddering tackles within seconds of each other while captain Sean Mangan made countless big hits all over.

Centre Adrian Thomas almost raced clear after intercepting but he was hauled back.

Then Amman shot themselves in the foot when, after wing Davies fumbled, Mumbles turned over and a slide-rule grubber kick was finished with the try which secured a 14-5 interval lead.

Amman, who brought on young replacement Steff Morris after the break, fell further behind when the seasiders’ scrum-half burrowed over from a short rolling maul.

The hosts rallied well despite the setback however and attacked from the restart.

Outside-half Lewis’ long pass found Geraint Davies who was just held up wide out, but from the ensuing phase, flanker Alun Lewis squeezed over to score.

Scrum-half Joel Foster looked sharp as ever and was narrowly dragged into touch inches from the try-line.

Amman’s next attack should have yielded a try, but wing Chris Phillips’ dropped pass cost them.

Reward for home endeavour came when, from a suicidal Mumbles pass under their own posts, quick-thinking Foster pounced for an opportunists’ try. Thomas converted.

Amman, who brought on Ethan Edworthy late on, conceded a fourth bonus-point earning try when Mumbles stretched the defence and created an overlap for their winger to finish – ruining the chance of a potential Amman losing bonus point.

Amman return to action at Carmarthen Athletic a week on Saturday.