WRU Division 3B West

Llandeilo - 43

Amman United - 15

AMMAN United’s title hopes suffered a setback at the weekend as they were beaten by a much improved Llandeilo.

An under-strength Amman side travelled to Cae Wililam with one eye on the West Wales Plate semi final against Trimsaran in midweek.

A young, inexperienced Amman front-five of Tom Hopkin, Jac Isaac, Dylan James, Tom Thorneycroft and Harley Davies were given the runaround by a more streetwise home pack in the first half where Craig Davies, Harry Williams and Bobby Jones excelled.

Outside half Ceri Jones limped off after just two minutes as Amman trailed to a brace of early penalties from home full back, Owain Roberts.

Centres, Glyn Jones and Dan Thomas, were punching holes in the Amman defence, and this duo combined well as Jones charged down full back Liam Danter’s clearance and Dan Thomas followed up to score.

Llandeilo largely dominated and deservedly went further ahead when wing Cai Davies went over in the corner as the Cae William side went in to half time 18-0 up.

It remained a similar story into the second half, despite Amman bringing on reinforcements from the bench, as Joel Foster and Doug Jenkins entered the fray.

United’s cause wasn’t helped by a few refereeing decisions which at one point reduced them to thirteen after yellow cards to Steff Rees and captain Sean Mangan, the latter very puzzling after a seemingly excellent tackle was deemed high.

Owain Roberts’ trusty left foot further punished them to make it 24-0 with the resulting penalties.

Roberts then crossed out wide for a third Llandeilo score, superbly converting himself from the touchline, before Amman seemed to waken at last, and with ten minutes left, flanker Alun Lewis crashed over for their opening score with a rare attack.

But Llandeilo hit immediately back with a bonus-point try as lock Bobby Jones went over.

With their best period of the game by far, Amman finished strongly, and amazingly almost pinched a bonus point themselves; flanker Jordan Witts went over with minutes left, before United threw the kitchen sink late on and Alun Lewis grabbed a third try.

But Llandeilo had the last word as, with Amman trying to run from deep, turnover ball saw Ciaran Neilsen punish them with a try in injury time.

Defeat leaves Amman second in the league, while Llandeilo sit fourth.