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Ammanford RFC | 1st Team 35 - 13 Glynneath RFC | 1st Team

Match Report
21 August 2014 / Team News

Ammanford lift Swalec Plate victory for second time over Glynneath side

AMMANFORD lifted the Swalec Plate for the second time in three years after a deserved victory over a spirited Glynneath side.

Glynneath moved into a shock lead in the closing stages of the first half, but the division three outfit were not able to hold that advantage against their second-tier opponents and trailed 19-13 at the break.

In the second half Ammanford made their superiority count, adding another converted try and three penalties to their tally as they made it a double celebration after already securing promotion to division one.

"It was a hard game, very physical up front, but that is what we expected from Glynneath," said Ammanford captain Mark Jones.

"They clearly came here wanting to win, but I think our desire was greater. We're a good side."

He added: "What great support, it was a sea of blue here today. The supporters haven't let us down all season."

Glynneath took the lead with an early Jack O'Reilly penalty before Ammanford hit back with an excellent score from pacy wing Mike Evans after a superb break by Tom Rees.

That was converted by Owain Williams before O'Reilly cut the deficit with another penalty to move Glynneath within a point of their opponents.

And they took a surprise lead when Gregg Roberts charged down a kick before darting over, with O'Reilly again adding the extras.

But they weren't able to maintain that advantage going into the break as Matthew Brayley responded immediately for Ammanford and Phillips converted to nudge his side 14-13 in front.

Ammanford full-back Matthew Fisher also crossed on the stroke of half-time, though Glynneath were handed a lifeline when Ammanford lock Richard Greig was yellow carded moments before the half-time whistle.

Glynneath pressed, but Ammanford stood up well to the assault and extended their lead with two more Williams penalties on 50 and 56 minutes. Glynneath were struggling to find a way back into the game and another Williams penalty on 66 minutes killed any lingering resistance.

Ammanford were able to rubber stamp their victory six minutes from time as scrum-half Iwan Mainwaring crashed through from close range and Williams added the simplest of conversions.

"The difference between the two teams was fitness levels," said Glynneath captain Dale Newell.

"Ammanford are in the league above us and top the league.

"We worked hard and I'm proud of the way the guys stuck in there, but they were too good.

"This was a great experience, this is the best stadium in the world. It was a great experience, not just for us, but everyone in the town."

Ammanford : Tries: M. Evans, M. Brayley, M. Fisher, I. Mainwaring. Cons: O. Williams (3). Pens: O. Williams (3).

Team : M. Fisher; M. Evans, T. Rees, M. Brayley, G. Stephens; O. Williams, I. Mainwaring; D. Cooper, J. Rosser, M. Davies, M. Jones (capt), R. Greig, R. Davies, C. Jones, S. Miles. Reps: R. Knight, A. Griffiths, J. Ogden, A. Evans, C. Richards, J. Evans, L. Lloyd.

Glynneath : Tries: G. Roberts. Cons: J. O'Reilly. Pens: J. O'Reilly (2).

Team : R. Llewellyn; T. Venn, R. Thomas, G. Roberts, A. Lee; J. O'Reilly, J. Pike; O. Jordan, G. Bignell, G. Hall, G. Howells, J. Davies, C. Moses, A. Hopkins, D. Newell (capt). Reps: L. Owens, C. Tennant, S. Leach, C. Feltron, L. Bayliss, J. Vardon, M. Seymour.

Referee : Sean Brickell (WRU).

Star choice : Matthew Fisher (Ammanford).

WRU Report and reaction from Mark Jones and Gareth Potter

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