Maesteg Celtic 18 Ammanford 15
Ammanfords cup run falls at the first hurdle. Ammanford travelled, yet again to Maesteg, this time to play Maesteg Celtic and came away on the wrong side of a closely fought game. Some seasons weak points were again evident, weak line out and difficulty taking kick offs cleanly.
Ammanford started well but Celtic looked very sharp on the counter attack helped by some very good interpasssing among the forwards. The visitors lost the imposing frame of second row Liam Baker early with a twisted ankle. Celtic gradually took control of the first half through their strong set pieces and after half an hour scored the first try of the game through a pushover try, 7-0.
The visitors three quarters finally got things together and some slick handling moved the ball wide to winger Steff Howells who showed the cover defence a clean pair of heels going over in the corner after a 40m run. 7-5.
The second half started with some positive work from Ammanford and an excellent dummy from Zac Phillips saw him open up the home defence and a try looked certain but some last ditch defence put a stop to any hopes of a try.
The visitors stayed on the attack but an inside pass was intercepted by the home outside half who went 60m to score in the corner, 12-5. From a lineout on the halfway line the ball was moved to centre Steffan Pryce Griffiths and a strong fend helped him power through to feed supporting fullback, Jack Evans who went over. Ceri Morris conversion levelled the score. As the game moved into the final quarter Celtic applied the pressure winning two penalties to extend the lead, 18-12.
The home side moved the ball from side to side and only a knock by the winger stopped a clear try chance. Ammanford picked up the loose ball and countered, if the inside pass to outside half Ceri Morris had been taken he was clear for a try. Ammanford did manage to get one penalty, 18-15, but this proved to be the last score of the game.
Next Saturday a return to the league sees another Maesteg team visit the Rec. This time it is league leaders Maesteg Quins, there is also a past players reunion. So all past players are asked to show a face.
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