Llanelli Star

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE FOR RIVALS OF PAST FINAL

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THE draw for the fourth round of the WRU National Plate has thrown up a repeat of the 2011 final, with Ammanford drawn at home to One West Central rivals Glynneath.

The tie will bring back memories of Ammanford’s 35-13 triumph over Glynneath at the Millennium Stadium and the two sides will lock horns again on January 12 for a place in the quarter-finals of this season’s competitio­n.

Ammanford may have had a mixed time of it in the league this term but they have enjoyed two big wins in the Plate, 52-17 at 2015 WRU National Bowl winners Ystradgynl­ais in the first round before putting 40 points on Pill Harriers in round two.

They had a bye through to the third round, as did Glynneath, who defeated Nantymoel 59-5 before edging a close battle 11-9 at One West leaders Felinfoel in round two.

Glynneath, who are top of One West Central, boast a 100 per cent winning record this season having won all nine of their league matches.

Despite that superb record, they certainly won’t be taking the challenge of Ammanford lightly as they are probably better than their eighth place suggests.

“We’re playing some decent rugby,” said Ammanford secretary Jeff Price.

“We’ve got a young side who are battling in all the games but are just a little bit inconsiste­nt at times and there’s maybe a lack of concentrat­ion here and there, but what we’re hoping for is a strong end to the season.”

Ammanford were not in action at the weekend but are now looking forward Pantyffynn­on scrum-half Lee Griffiths feeds the ball out. to a local derby against Brynaman on December 29 when they will be looking to add to league wins over Tondu, Kenfig Hill and Maesteg Celtic so far.

“There were one or two games where we could have had results and that could have gone either way but otherwise it’s a fair picture of where we are at this stage of the season,” added Price.

“We were extremely unlucky in the Ystalyfera game at home, which we lost (26-19), and they are second in the league, and I’d say Tondu at home was probably our best win (46-20). That was the most pleasing one.

“We’ve got a big home derby to look forward to on the 29th and then we’re going into fixtures against, potentiall­y, teams down the bottom with us, so January is going to be the big part of the season.

“We’ve had a good run in the cup so far and at home we are a different prospect than away.

“So I think we’ll certainly give Glynneath a game and I think it’s fair to say they won’t take us for granted.”

Price picked out back-rower Tom Davies and utility back Ceri Rees for their outstandin­g contributi­ons on the field so far this season.

Things are certainly going well at Ammanford from a playing perspectiv­e.

Back on December 8 the club managed to field three senior sides and won all three games. The firsts beat Maesteg Celtic, while the seconds saw off Cardiff Met and the thirds Maesteg Celtic’s 2nd XV.

Price added: “That’s a big plus considerin­g what’s going on in other clubs in the area at the moment.

“To win all three games was fantastic, and obviously we’ve got youth coming through as well so it’s a case of keeping it going on that front.”

Two West Central high-flyers Resolven have been handed a tough

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