Madge's late bonus cements early title claim (From South Wales Guardian)

Madge's late bonus cements early title claim

12:00am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Sport

Division Three West Lampeter 15 Amman United 32 AMMAN United now head rugby’s Division Three West by two points after notching a late bonus point against the division’s bottom side - thanks to Christian Madge’s fourth try scored inside the final five minutes.

True to form, Amman made their trademark poor start as Lampeter, who had lost every match to date, made a powerful start with their two second rows combining well, the one’s crossfield kick being finished off by his lock partner to catch the leaders cold after five minutes.

But United, who were missing a few key players including Karl Worsfold, Rhys Thomas and Joel Foster to various injuries, went on to control the match.

The half-back pairing of Ryan Williams and Adrian Thomas combined well to get their slick back line moving and, with total control in the scrums and line-outs, they were able to dominate.

By half-time the visitors had established a 17-10 advantage thanks to a couple of cracking solo tries from the nimble-footed Dean Williams.

Among the United front eight, skipper AndrewLacey was influential all over the pitch while the man-of-thematch, hooker Doug Jenkins, also put in an excellent shift.

Wing Johnny Bevan has made a cracking start to the season and his try-scoring exploits continued when he crossed for another nice touchdown to take his total for the season so far to six.

The boot of Adrian Thomas kept the scoreboard ticking over with a brace of penalties as Amman continued to chase the elusive bonus point.

But their patience brought late reward when, following a very good move, Madge gathered to cross between the posts with five minutes remaining.

The plucky bottom-of-thetable side battled on until the death and their endeavour brought them a very late second consolation try.

Amman play the first of two consecutive Saturday fixtures against Pontarddulais this weekend.

Amman entertain Bont in the league on Saturday before travelling to Pontarddulais in the first round of the SWALEC Plate seven days later.