Returning to action at the start of a new year saw Ammanford’s running style of play complimented with a sunny dry day. This paid off in the first few minutes when after early pressure the ball was spun across the line for centre Kai Richards to step through a gap to score, outside half Ryan Williams slotted the conversion.
‘Fera had also come to play on this fine day and they were prepared to run the ball. They had a bit of luck when the home centre unfortunately slipped onto his knees giving the Fera centre an easy stroll through to score.
Both sides were running the ball at every occasion which at times led to some frenetic rugby. From an attacking scrum Ammanford moved the ball, full back Ceri Rees put through a well weighted grubber that flying wing Elis Lewis gathered to score in the corner. A fine touchline conversion by Williams made the score 14 - 5. Ammanford’s pressure led to several Fera penalties which eventually gave Williams the chance to extend the lead.
The visiting half backs were kicking well causing issues in the home defence. This gave the visiting backs the opportunity to pressurise the home line. Ammanford’s forwards defended well but eventually the Fera pack managed to squeeze over, 17 – 10.
Ammanford have built a good lead only let it sip by overplaying on several occasions this season. On this occasion it was a risky offload that made them pay. A flowing attack saw Ammanford split Fera and with it looking like a try on the cards, the final offload while falling in the tackle was plucked out of the air by the visiting full back who galloped up field. Lewis’ speed cut him off, but his scrum half was supporting well and he went the remaining 40m to the posts. The conversion levelled the scores at 17 – 17 at the half.
For Ammanford the balance in the backrow looked good with No8 Marco Dallavalle carrying well and flanker Jed Anthony tackling heroically supported by prop Chris Rumbelow.
The attacking intent from both teams was maintained in the second half. Ammanford started positively and this time from a ruck close to the Fera line the ball was recycled and moved into midfield where some dancing feet, stepping left and right, saw centre Harrison Garland dance through the home defence to score under the posts. The lead was extended when the Fera tighthead prop intercepted with 60m to go, fortunately for him he was offside! Williams extended the lead from the ensuing penalty, 27-17.
Fera’s indiscipline throughout the game had led to several yellow cards this made their work much harder but they did not give up showing plenty of positive intent. Their centres again burst through and it took an excellent cover tackle and jackal in the shadow of his own posts by Williams to prevent what looked like a certain try.
A penalty again reduced Fera to 14 men. With time running out Ammanford opted to turn down an easy three points kicked for the lineout. The ball was cleanly won by flanker Dominic Jones, who had dominated the lineout for Ammanford, he fed Dallavalle on a front peel, his quick hands put hooker Zac Phillips over in the corner.
Final score, Ammanford 32 – 17 Ystalyfera.
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