Ammanford 17 Bonymaen 24
The weather threw everything at this game, wind, rain, hail and sun, but it did not stop both sides producing a very enjoyable game of rugby. Bonymaen sitting proud at the top of the table travelled to The Rec looking for revenge having lost their unbeaten record when Ammanford visited Y Parc Mawr.
The game as a competition lived up to the billing. After a tough opening spell Bonymaen opened the scoring after winning a scrum 30m out. A deft chip over the flat home defence allowed the chasing winger to dive over and score. Ammanford used the wind to their advantage to get back into the game when a penalty was kicked deep into the visiting 22 and from the ensuing lineout Ammanford drove prop Rhodri Jones over and outside half Ryan Williams put over the conversion from wide out in what was not a great day for kicking.
Bonymaen showed why they are leading Div 1 West Central by breaking out of defence and forcing Ammanford to scramble the ball into touch 5m from their own line. The visitors returned the compliment, this time driving Ammanford back over their own line to score, 7-10.
The game was then stopped in its tracks when an unfortunate accident to the visiting centre, Nathan Eager, saw the centre suffer a nasty break in the ankle and had to be stretchered off the field. The last ten minutes of the half played out with no further score.
Ammanford suffered badly at the very start of the second half when full back Carwyn Morris’s clearance kick was charged down and allowed the visiting centre to go over another fine kick extended the lead to 7-17. The home supporters were worried that Bonymaen would, with the wind at their backs kick on and walk away with the game. However, the Ammanford team, led by their forwards were not part of this plan and manfully stood up and carried the game to the visitors. Directly from the kick off Ammanford wing, Gareth Rees, chased hard and gathered the ball, the forwards took over driving forward forcing the visitors to concede a penalty, Williams stepped up to reduce the lead.
Ammanford forwards forced play forward with some fine driving play and the pressure eventually payed off when after a 5m scrum No8 Harry McBride picked up and drove over under the posts. Williams levelled the scores.
Bonymen were determined to get back ahead and after another period of forceful play their forwards succeeded to go over in the corner. The visiting outside half then pulled off the kick of the game bouncing the ball over off the crossbar from the touchline.
The home team thought, after their efforts, deserved at least a draw game and went flat out over the final minutes of the game but Bonymaen stood up strong on their own line repelling wave after wave of Ammanford players, both backs and forwards driving for their lives to get over the line but unfortunately time ran out before they could achieve their goal.
Both teams were very grateful to both sets of Physios and especially Louise Dyson of Ammanford for the care they afforded to Nathan after his injury, staying with him for over an hour and a half until the ambulance arrived. Top work and shows the importance of having a quality physio.
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