League One West Central

Ammanford 24 Maesteg 15

ON A very blustery day on the Rec Ammanford welcomed Maesteg on only their second ever visit.

With a strong cross wind there was no huge advantage to either side, so the team that managed the wind best would have the upper hand.

Ammanford went on the attack early gaining a penalty in front of the posts when the visitors were caught offside from a promising attack. Outside half Rhydian Morris slotted the three points.

Ammanford were soon back on the attack – a bursting run by loosehead Steff Charles led to a chance for back row Jake Baker to drive over under the posts, Morris added the two extra points, 10-0.

Maesteg took a while to get going but were rewarded when they put the Ammanford lineout under pressure which led to a penalty. Maesteg opted to kick for touch. From the lineout they drove over to reduce the lead, 10-5.

The indiscipline and talking back to the referee has been an issue with Ammanford all season and again it led to a penalty. The Maesteg 10 capitalised, 10-8.

Ammanford came back into the game with a series of pick and drives which led to a yellow card for the Maesteg openside. Ammanford took full advantage of the extra man to put Emyr Price over near the posts. Morris converted, 17-8.

A poor retake from the kick off put the home team under pressure. Ammanford failed to use the wind to help them exit their own 22. This led to Maesteg pressure and an intentional knock-on by prop Alex Williams not only led to a yellow card for Williams but the referee awarding a penalty try, 17-15.

The game was becoming scrappier, Ammanford struggled to pass the ball in the wind and could not produce much phase play which has brought them success so far this season.

With the last move of the half the home team put some phases together and a final needless long pass was just gathered by wing Ceri Rees who managed to squeeze over in the corner. Using the cross wind to his benefit Morris put over an excellent conversion from the touch line, 24-15.

Throughout the second half both teams tried hard but the wind and the driving rain was the winner with neither side able to add to the scoreboard.

Ammanford's biggest problem was trying to throw too many long passes under the conditions.

By the end of the game to add to the players difficulties the quality of the light became very poor. The home team were happy to leave the field with a win and retain their second spot going into the Christmas break.

Due to a bye in the Cup they do not have a game until Boxing Day.

The club would like to send best wishes to Calvin Jones, father of prop Rhodri, who had a kidney transplant.