A SPIKY encounter at Cwmamman Park ended in abandonment with literally seconds remaining after an altercation between the referee and members of the Milford Haven coaching team on the touchline.

Amman appeared to have rescued victory from the jaws of defeat with a last-gasp try from skipper Rhydian Jones and Lee Evans’ cool conversion. But the match ultimately finished in confusion after the referee decided to abandon the contest in the dying moments.

The first half was a scrappy affair, played largely in midfield, with both sides cancelling each other out and little attacking play inside either 22. Amman’s defence stood firm, the scrum was rock solid and the lineout functioned well.

Keelan Griffiths and Dylan Lloyd enjoyed some bright moments in the backs, while Alun Lewis, Cian Lewis, Matthew Madge and, in particular, “captain fantastic” Rhydian Jones made good yards for the home side.

Amman lost flanker Owain Brayley early on after a leg injury and he was taken to hospital, with Caian Francis coming on in his place.

From a lineout and driving maul, Alun Lewis was hauled down short of the line, but the next phase saw him surge over from close range after 25 minutes. It proved to be the only score of a tight first half, with Amman deserving their lead.

The second half grew increasingly tetchy and, following a dust-up in midfield, Milford’s prop and Amman’s Shaun Watkins were both shown yellow cards.

Amman made a front-row change with Daniel James entering the fray, but the home side spent long periods under pressure as the visitors turned the screw. Milford enjoyed a sustained spell hammering at the tryline and, after Amman’s defence had held out for ten minutes, the dam finally broke when the visitors drove over from close range with around eight minutes remaining.

Amman then conceded a penalty and Milford, with confidence growing, ate up more of the clock before slotting the kick to move ahead at 10-5, seemingly sealing the win.

But with virtually the last play, Iestyn Griffiths kicked to touch, Amman won the lineout and the forwards took it on before Jones crept over for a scrappy try to level the scores. Evans still had the conversion to make — and he calmly landed it.

With the referee consulting his watch and play disrupted by an injury to a Milford player, the Milford staff then entered the pitch in the dying seconds, sparking an altercation and a prolonged discussion with the referee. Moments later, the match was abandoned, leaving players and supporters scratching their heads.

It was unclear afterwards whether the result would stand, or whether the fixture would have to be replayed.

EAST Williamston maintained their strong form with a 6-4 win over Reynalton, while St Twynnells and St Johns both recorded emphatic 10-0 victories against Badgers and Lamphey respectively.

Carew edged past Llanteg 6-4, and Hundleton beat Kilgetty 7-3.

There was also one catch-up match played, with East Williamston taking an 8-2 win away at Carew. Cosheston had a bye.

Results
Carew 6 Llanteg 4
Hundleton 7 Kilgetty 3
East Williamston 6 Reynalton 4
St Twynnells 10 Badgers 0
St Johns 10 Lamphey 0

Catch-up match
Carew 2 East Williamston 8

Bye: Cosheston

League table (after Week 13)
Team – Played / Won / Drawn / Lost / Shot diff / Points

East Williamston – 12 / 10 / 0 / 2 / +137 / 86
St Johns – 12 / 7 / 1 / 4 / +80 / 72
Hundleton – 12 / 7 / 1 / 4 / +26 / 69
Reynalton – 12 / 5 / 2 / 5 / +29 / 62
Carew – 12 / 6 / 0 / 6 / -49 / 59
St Twynnells – 11 / 5 / 2 / 4 / -13 / 58
Kilgetty – 12 / 5 / 0 / 7 / -57 / 49
Llanteg – 10 / 4 / 0 / 6 / -27 / 47
Badgers – 12 / 3 / 1 / 8 / -80 / 45
Lamphey – 12 / 5 / 0 / 7 / -33 / 44
Cosheston – 9 / 3 / 1 / 5 / -13 / 40

Results submitted by Steve Cox, league fixtures secretary.

WALES is set to take centre stage in a historic summer of cycling in 2027, when both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes begin in Great Britain.

Organisers say the two Grand Départs will create the most accessible major sporting event ever staged in Britain, with free roadside viewing along more than 900km of public roads across England, Scotland and Wales.

For Welsh fans, the headline moment will be a Tour de France stage starting in Welshpool and finishing in Cardiff, bringing the world’s biggest men’s cycle race through mid Wales and into the capital.

The first three stages of the Tour de France have been confirmed as:

• Edinburgh to Carlisle
• Keswick to Liverpool
• Welshpool to Cardiff

The Tour de France Femmes will also begin in Great Britain in 2027, in what is expected to be the first time the women’s race has started outside mainland Europe.

Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and London have been confirmed as stage start or finish locations for the women’s race.

The UK Government has announced £32 million of investment to support the event and its long-term legacy, with organisers forecasting more than £150 million in economic benefits.

Local businesses including hotels, pubs, restaurants and visitor attractions are expected to see a boost from increased tourism, while communities will be encouraged to get involved through a UK-wide legacy programme aimed at growing participation in cycling, improving wellbeing and creating new opportunities for young people.

Organisers say rural areas as well as major cities will benefit, with the route designed so a large proportion of the population can reach the race within an hour’s drive.

Further details about timings and the full route are expected to be released closer to the event.