Scarlets stars shine in the rain (From South Wales Guardian)

Scarlets stars shine in the rain

8:00am Saturday 25th August 2012 in Sport

Ammanford 3 Llanelli 17

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DESPITE the appalling weather, Ammanford played host to Premiership club Llanelli in the first of the 125th anniversary fixtures at a very wet Recreation Ground.

Despite the inclement conditions, the large crowd, which included the Ammanford team that played Llanelli 25 years previously, were treated to a very competitive game and some excellent rugby skills.

The visitors took the lead with an opportunist try as former Ammanford player Owen Williams capitalised on a rare missed tackle to cross after ten minutes.

Ammanford settled and for a period had the better of the territorial exchanges and soon replied with a well taken Carwyn Richards penalty.

The visiting pack then began to apply pressure and, taking full advantage of the conditions, pinned Ammanford back in their own 22.

A dropped pass in mid-field was capitalised upon as No8 Nathan Hart hacked through and elaborately slid in on the receding tide from ten metres out to record Llanelli’s second, the conversion added by outside-half Diggy Bird.

The second half was a tight affair with both teams trying to play an open and adventurous style which didn’t fit well with the conditions.

Ammanford went close on a number of occasions, with Jacob Meadows and Gary Stephens both being denied by a desperate Llanelli defence. Ammanford’s best chance was lost when the final pass was dropped on the line.

Llanelli rallied and broke away to score their third try through winger Bowdie Davies.

Both sides demonstrated a positive approach and entertained the crowd and were fully deserving of an appreciative ovation at the end of the match.

Ammanford included several new summer recruits and debutants in the match and were lead for the first time by new club captain, Dylan Cooper.

The coaching team of Gareth Potter, Vernon Cooper and Warren Leach were very upbeat about the performance and supporters can look forward to the new season with renewed confidence.

Ammanford will travel to Lampeter on Saturday to complete their pre-season fixtures before their first league game away at Kenfig Hill on September 1.