AMMANFORD bounced back from their narrow defeat at Pencoed, with a hard-earned victory to move into fourth place in Division 2 West.

Ammanford were well on top for most of the first half with second rows Mark Jones and Richard Clegg supplying quality lineout ball. The scrum was also solid, with the front row of Dafydd Thomas, Jason Rosser and Aled Griffiths working their socks off in the front row.

Ammanford’s threequarters, although still now at their best, were creating several chances but not taking them. The first try finally came, when centre Cerith Humphries burst through several tackles to cross midway out.

Outside half Dean Bronham converted for a 7-0 lead.

Ammanford continued to press and should have secured their second try from deep inside their own 22m.

Full back John McWilliams attacked from deep, his pass sent young winger Robert Williams away on a strong run down the touchline. Swerving past a couple of defenders, he looked in for a brilliant try, but Mumbles’ defence recovered and Williams fed open side flanker Shaun Miles, who looked in for the certain try, but a high tackle brought him down inches from the try line.

From the resulting penalty outside half Dean Bronham made the half-time score only 10-0. It should have been at least 21-0.

Mumbles at the start of the second half were still under the cosh, and with the home side attacking in the visitors’ 22m, outside half Dean Bronham again put over another penalty to lead 13-0.

Play became ragged but Ammanford never looked in danger, but were also unable to break down the Mumbles defence.

With 15 minutes to go, Ammanford lost key second row Richard Cregg and centre Cerith Humphreys. Simon Williams went to second row and Mathew Lloyd to centre. Ammanford made changes to the front row with Dylan Cooper and Daryl Morgan coming on. This seemed to disrupt the Ammanford rhythm, which allowed Mumbles to suddenly move into overdrive.

Their scrum started to drive the home eight backwards, and with five minutes to go, they drove over for their first try, through their hooker Mark Robins.

The conversion failed but they were somehow back in the game at 13-5.

Within minutes with their back line now looking dangerous, outside half Justin Price banged over a penalty making the score 13-8, with minutes to go, and Ammanford defending with all hands on deck. Scrum half Ioan Jones finally cleared his line, and put the ball into touch and ended the game with Ammanford victors by 13-8.