PWLLHELI produced a determined effort before they spun out of the WRU National Plate at the second round stage, with a 31-17 defeat to Division One West Central side Ammanford last weekend.

This long-awaited tie was played in unexpectedly decent weather, with pitch conditions excellent and the light wind having very little impact on the game.

The visitors came to Pwllheli with a poor league record, having lost all four matches to date - but Cup matches are always one-offs, and this proved the case.

The opening forays came from the home side, as they took the game to Ammanford with good combination play by both forwards and backs.

The visitors soon settled, however, and their running game was prominent. Pwllheli’s defence were up to the challenge, and the second quarter of the match saw the Llyn side up the pressure again.

Wing Osian Parry Jones opened the scoring with a 19th minute penalty. Both teams strived for quick clean possession and both sets of half backs were able to utilise their back line.

This was a classic Cup tie and the teams put their bodies on the line. The penalty count was against Pwllheli, but in general their discipline was good throughout.

Pwllheli put some good phases together from the 30th minute onwards as they gradually made ground and fly half Nick Butterworth powered over to score. The conversion by Parry Jones made it 10-0.

It was important to keep Ammanford at bay for the rest of the half, but the visitors countered from deep. Initially, the home defence held, but Ammanford kept their focus and on 41 minutes flanker Joe Locke forced his way over for the score. Fly half Steffan Roberts added two points and the half-time whistle went soon after, with the game finely poised.

It was soon apparent in the second half that Ammanford’s tactics had changed substantially. They kept the game tight and their expansive rugby was limited. The bulky pack went through the phases, and Pwllheli’s tackle count soared.

Pwllheli changed Rhys Williams for Tudur Griffiths in the front row, and the set scrum remained strong, and the loose forward play was even. Pwllheli’s line-out again stuttered, however, and they twice lost ball in promising situations.

A key moment came early on in the half when Pwllheli’s Deio Brunelli was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock on. The visitors took advantage of the numerical superiority and within three minutes they scored a try through Joe Locke. The successful conversion by Steffan Roberts gave Ammanford a 14-10 lead.

Pwllheli brought on two experienced players, with flanker Dafydd Anwyl coming on for William Owen and Owain Williams substituting Mathew Butterworth. Williams’ presence was soon felt and on 18 minutes Pwllheli attacked on the left.

Seeing the visiting defence coming up flat he put in a telling grubber kick and won the race to the touchdown. Parry Jones added a superb touchline conversion to give his team a three point lead.

Ammanford immediately countered from the kick-off and they were awarded a penalty for offside, from which Steffan Roberts duly obliged to tie up the scores.

Young prop Jac Jones came on as prop, but the South Walian side looked increasingly threatening and their 30th minute try by Ian Davies reflected the game, with Roberts adding the simple two points.

Pwllheli strived to get back into the game, but it was Ammanford who had the last say when Joe Lock scored again, and Steffan Roberts’ conversion was the last action of a hard but fair contest.

Pwllheli’s players and supporters were naturally disappointed with the result, given their recent record in the Plate. There was some exciting back play, but they were ultimately thwarted by Ammanford’s very well organised defence. They way they executed the direction of their game plan was impressive, and Ammanford deserved their win on the day.

Pwllheli have no game to play on Saturday as scheduled opponents Bro Ffestiniog must prioritise their Plate second round match against Treorchy, which was a weather casualty last weekend.

Results: WRU National Plate Round Two: Bethesda 26 Dunvant 10; Croesyceiliog 0 Nant Conwy 24; Glynneath v Llandudno, postponed; Treorchy v Bro Ffestiniog, postponed; Mumbles 24 Aberystwyth 44; Pwllheli 17 Ammanford 31; and Bridgend Athletic 28 Bala 3.