AMMANFORD RFC slipped to defeat against Maesteg, falling below their opponents in the National League 1 West Central table in the process.

The visitors started well and within the first five minutes a catch and drive line out was stopped just short, the ball was moved sharply to the blind side for outside half Steff Roberts to cross for the first try, hitting the upright with his conversion.

Ammanford continued to attack but instead of keeping things simple they went looking for miracle passes that would go astray.

This eventually allowed the home team back into the game and with their first positive attack, in the 20th minute, a smart grubber by the outside half saw the left-wing diving over in the corner to level the score at 5-5.

Playing some flowing rugby Ammanford again opened up the Maesteg defence and a snipe by the scrum half saw him through but a simple pass was dropped 3m from the line preventing a score.

Prop, Rhodri Jones’ barrelling run earned Ammanford a penalty, but Roberts hit the post.

Ammanford’s second try came with Maesteg on the attack and moving the ball wide. A long pass was picked off by winger Dafydd Pritchard who went 50m to score.

Early in the second half a counter from his own 22 by full back Ceri Rees produced some lovely rugby which was only spoilt by the final pass being dropped.

Ammanford stayed on the attack and won a penalty which Roberts slotted, to edge into a 5-15 lead.

Maesteg hit back with a try of their own following a lovely backs move from an attacking scrum.

A penalty for the hosts followed, and the scores were level at 15-15.

With the game going into the last quarter further Maesteg pressure led to yellow card for prop Dylan Phillips and within a couple of minutes Maesteg won and kicked a penalty to take the lead.

Despite late Ammanford pressure, they were unable to score, and lost 18-15.