Division One West Ammanford 19 Carmarthen Athletic 26 WITH both teams going into this game on the back of three defeats it was no surprise that they started hesitantly.

The opening minutes were evenly contested with both defences doing well.

Ammanford took the lead when their ex-prop Mike Davies infringed at a scrum and Tom Marks slotted over the kick but the score was quickly cancelled out when Mike Sauro returned the compliment.

Athletic then upped the tempo and took advantage of a defensive error to snatch a try.

Ammanford fought back well and another Marks penalty reduced the arrears.

With nerves settled, Ammanford began to put together numerous phases but were exasperated when the ball shot out from a scrum and Carmarthen scrum half Rhys Lane darted in for their second try.

Ammanford hit back with a long-range Carwyn Richards penalty.

From the restart centres Brayley and Lemon gained ground for the home side but wing Gary Stephens missed a scoring opportunity wide out during Ammanford’s best period of play.

Probing runs from Rhydian Jones, Richard Davies and Dylan Cooper created good positions and Marks and Brayley combined to create an opening for the ever presentMatthew Bartlett to finish well.

Marks’ conversion made it 16–13 to the hosts.

The second half saw a much more tactical approach from the visitors and consequently scoring opportunities were few.

Sauro converted a penalty followed by another by Carwyn Richards for Ammanford keep them 19-13 ahead.

But the Athletic began to turn the home defence at every opportunity and a cross-field kick was gratefully received by substitute S Jones who touched down for Sauro to convert.

In the final minutes Ammanford lost Lemon to a yellowcard and Carmarthen sealed victory when Sauro kicked two more penalties.

Ammanford gained a losing bonus point but could and perhaps should have taken advantage of early opportunities to win the game.

Ammanford travel to Llangennech next week followed by three consecutive games.