WRU NATIONAL BOWL SEMI-FINAL

By Tivy-Side sports reporter

FOR rugby followers in this neck of the woods all roads lead to Lampeter on Saturday when Cardigan and Amman United go head-to-head in the WRU National Bowl semi-final with the prize for the victors an appearance in the final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff against Caerphilly or Cilfynydd who meet at Taffs Well.

The Tivy-Side can reveal that despite reports of former Wales wing legend Shane Williams – an Amman stalwart – not participating in the cup tie the 40-year-super fit star has made himself available and could be

involved at some stage.

On the way to the penultimate stage League 3 West B unbeaten leaders Amman were given a walkover when Llandeilo failed to raise a team and in the second round overcame the challenge of League 3 East A leaders Hartridge before emerging 39-5 away winners over St Albans of Cardiff.

Shaun Mangan and Co went on to beat Monmouth of League 3 East A 18-7 at home and reached this stage after a hard-earned 13-3 win over Burry Port at Cwmamman Park.

The Amman Valley high-flyers have won their last 21 games and are sure to provide a stern test for Cardigan who have been given the good news that No. 8 and skipper Llyr Griffiths will be available although the Cardis will be without centre Emyr Harries who is getting married on Saturday and also

attending the wedding is lock Dean Harries.

United do not have bulky forwards but make up for any weight deficiency with open play of a high standard and are particularly strong at the back of the scrum where skipper and No. 8 Mangan together with flankers Daniel Jones and Gavin Lewis make up a potent unit.

Rhys Thomas and Adrian Thomas have been sharing the outside half duties this term while another big player behind the scrum is Mathew Brayley and of course Cardigan could be faced with a certain Shane Williams.

Amman coach Tony Williams said: "We've beaten some good sides to reach this stage, we have been performing well throughout the season and playing attractive rugby.

"But a semi-final is something else. We expect a hard game against Cardigan and it is likely to be all on the day. There is high excitement at the club and we are taking a large number of supporters to Lampeter," he said.

In reaching the semi-final the Cardis have had home advantage in five of their six ties, the only away game coincidentally in the Amman Valley when beating Betws 13-8.

Skipper Griffiths and colleagues notched 197 points and conceded 64 as they buried St David's under a 90-point avalanche, won 45-29 against Laugharne, went through 10-7 after extra time against Usk, sprang a 23-7 win over Denbigh and in the quarter-final were 16-6 winners over Milford Haven.

The Cardis are chasing a Bowl and League 3 West A double, the side improving steadily under head coach Colin Horscroft with the main strength arguably in the backrow where skipper Griffiths, Colin Davies, Kieran Hurley and Gareth Clifford are to the fore while Dylan Davies is equally at home in the engine room or at the back of the scrum.

There are a number of talented performers in the back division and the side is capable of keeping things tight or playing an expansive game.

Coach Horscroft said: "We are all looking forward to the game. It will be on the day and if we fail it will not be for the lack of trying.

"The club is running a number of coaches to Lampeter and once again we will have a huge support which is very much appreciated by all the players.

"We have big respect for Amman United but hopefully the narrow North Road pitch in Lampeter will suit us," he said.

Details in relation to travelling arrangements for the game can be obtained on the club website.