Ammanford made to battle by strugglers (From South Wales Guardian)

Ammanford made to battle by strugglers

8:00am Saturday 13th October 2012 in Sport

AMMANFORD worked hard to grind out a victory against a dogged Aberavon Quins.

With the hosts languishing at the foot of the table and yet to record a single point many of the travelling supporters were surprised at the competitiveness demonstrated and failed to recognise how hard the visiting youngsters worked to secure another away win.

On a wet and soggy surface Ammanford opened positively and were soon on the scoreboard when centre Dylan Morgan stepped through a maze of defenders before powering away to score from his own half, Carwyn Richards adding the conversion.

The lead was quickly extended with a Richards penalty and Ammanford looked set fair for a comfortable afternoon.

The hosts, with some assistance, put paid to this as they struck back with a controversial penalty try, outside-half Joe Gallivant adding the conversion and a penalty to level the scores.

With Ammanford reduced to 14 due to the sin-binning of captain Dylan Cooper the Quins struck again with wing Mike Parfitt crossing in the corner to ensure a 15- 10 half-time score.

Quins extended their lead at the start of the secondhalf with another Gallivant penalty.

Ammanford were struggling to cope with the Quins forwards but defended well to prevent any further scores.

With the Quins visibly tiring and taking every opportunity to kill play and slow the game, Ammanford looked dangerous. Quins were struggling to hold on to their lead and with a cynical infringement denied Ammanford a clear-cut try which, in most people’s eyes, should have resulted in a penalty try.

With Quins reduced to 14 Ammanford capitalised and the impressive Chris Moore finished off a flowing backs move after good work by Mike Evans. Moore converted his own try and slotted a penalty to restore the Ammanford lead.

To the relief of the travelling support and coaching staff Ammanford held on to record another victory, a victory earned through hard work that should give this young squad confidence.

Mike Evans was the pick of the backs but the best player on the field was Ammanford flanker Matthew Bartlett who was outstanding.

Next week Ammanford host Skewen.