Narrow victory ends the league

Loughor 30

Ammanford closed their league programme with a close fought victory against a lively Loughor outfit.

The home side looked tired in the first half after playing two games a week for the last four weeks of one of their best seasons for years.

The side finished with a proud record of 15 wins, one draw and eight lost this after losing their first five games in September.

Loughor took the lead within minutes of the start, Hooker Michael Wright getting the touchdown from a driving line-out near the Ammanford line which was converted.

Ammanford soon replied with a 40m penalty from outside half Simon Davies. The game swung from end to end and Loughor increased their lead when poor defending let in Winger Oliver David, the try went unconverted.

Ammanford again replied within minutes when No8 Mark Pickard sent scrum half Ioan Jones away for his 15th try of the season. Davies converted to cut the lead to 10-12.

The next try was out of the blue, Ammanford's young winger Ryan Davies was sent away on a 40m run but his chip ahead was gathered by winger Ian Wright who proceeded to sprint through half the Ammanford side for a gift of a try which was yet again converted, with a half time lead of 10-19.

At half time Ammanford brought on No8 Darryl Parkin and flanker Andrew Rees, but Loughor increased their lead with a penalty being scored by Peter Smirker to lead 10-22. The home side showed great character and style upping the tempo of the game brilliant combined play sent in full back Dylan Howells, after a powerful surge from centre Robert Petrychen. Davies cut the lead to 22-17 with his conversion.

Ammanford took the lead for the first time, when after strong running from No8 Parkin and open side flanker Lyn James the ball finally was spun wide for Winger Ryan Davies to cross near the corner flag. Outside half Simon Davies put over an excellent conversion to lead 24-22.

Loughor looked out on their feet but again their pack raised their game and a penalty from outside half Smirker regained the lead 25-24.

This Ammanford side though refused to surrender they drove back into Loughor's 22 and from a huge scrum they drove the visitors pack back over their line for substitute scrum half veteran Alan Davies to pounce for a try. Davies converted to lead 31-25 in injury time.

There was however a twist in the tail. With the referee finding at least sic minutes extra, Loughor desperately spun the ball wide for Smirker to cross into the corner, however his conversion failed to reach its destination and the home side breathed a sigh of relief with the final score 31-30 of an entertaining game.

Ammanford finish the season in fourth place and the side also finished as second highest try scores and points aggregate.