PENYGROES nicked a draw at Cwmamman Park as the new league season got under way, outside half Aled Roberts’ last gasp penalty with the last kick of the game earning his side a share if the spoils after an entertaining Division 3 West opener.
The home side started the better with some strong ball-carrying, Iwan Davies,Tom Thorneycroft and Alun Lewis making some good yardage, and after forcing an early penalty, outside half Tom Caddell banged over a superb long range effort from just inside the halfway line.
With it being the opening game,there were a few spilled passes and errors as players adjusted in the early exchanges .
Penygroes began to get a foothold in the game, second row Sion Davies the pick of the forwards, but their efforts were being thwarted and hit backwards, Iwan Davies and then wings Jack Evans and Tai Cousins putting in a few superb tackles for the Reds.
But the visitors persevered, and outside half Aled Roberts’ excellent break was only halted by an Amman offensive, and Roberts himself stepped up to send over the resulting penalty.
Amman full back Rhys Howells had a solid game, with an excellent break putting his side on the offensive just before half time.
Into the second half,and Amman were caught cold just after the restart as ‘Groes swept the ball wide with some neat interpassing,and the excellent Sion Davies took the final pass to crash over for a corner try, which Roberts duly converted to put his side 10-3 ahead.
Tom Caddell missed with a kickable penalty as Amman brought on fresh legs in the back row via Sean Mangan who got straight into the battle with some surging runs, while Rhydian Jones supported well throughout also.
Any early season cobwebs were them well and truly blown away when a mass brawl broke out,all 30 players seemingly involved on the hour ;and,after the calm resumed,the match restarted and the home side were awarded a penalty,which Caddell duly slotted.
With 10 minutes left,Amman full back Rhys Howells picked up a long defensive punt deep inside his own half, slalomed past several desperate attempted tackles before outstripping the defence to cross for a wonderful solo try which Caddell converted for a 13-10 lead.
But Amman were always vulnerable late on, and Penygroes to their credit played to the whistle and never gave up attacking, and were rewarded with an injury time penalty, which Aled Roberts sent over just as the referee blew for time.
Perhaps a draw was a fair result overall, though Amman will be kicking themselves for failing to see it out.
Amman travel to Llangadog on Saturday, September 10, before a cup tie away at Haverfordwest the following weekend (Sept 17); Penygroes will be at home to New Dock Stars this Saturday.
Cwmgors beaten in first game
CWMGORS started the new season in Division 3 West Central with a 47-3 home defeat against Swansea Uplands at Parc y Werin.
The Cherries had trailed 33-3 at the interval, Jordan Smith having kicked their only points.
Cwmgors will be away at Tonmawr on Saturday, September 10.
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