We move into this massive game today against Gorseinon with the news that forwards coach Wayne Williams has stepped down. We as a club would like to thank him for his efforts since he joined pre-season and he goes with our best wishes and respect as he moves on elsewhere. It is painful to still be typing that we are ‘winless’ in this league even though we are now in November, but as always, there are plenty of positives to take into account. We need that first victory desperately. We are used to Amman rugby in recent years being “outstanding”, so far, we’ve been good (very good in patches). The only thing outstanding at the club this season to date is Treasurer JV’s club tax return.

So what are our chances today against Gorseinon? No disrespect to them whatsoever here, but we have to say they are pretty good. That is said with confidence, not arrogance, as those of us who watch from the sidelines week in week out know what our team is capable of when they 'click'. They sit just one place above us in the league with a single league victory, a 38 – 0 thumping of rock bottom Carmarthen Athletic. To be fair, they too have had their near-misses with very close games against Newcastle Emlyn and Felinfoel in particular, it just goes to show as we well know already, there are very fine lines between winning and losing at this level of rugby.

Their confidence might also have taken a knock last week after being knocked out of the SWALEC Plate (remember that?) by League Two club Penlan, who incidentally played the last twenty minutes with thirteen players on the pitch, the card happy referee who we had here recently against Emlyn officiating that one. Whatever the outcome today, we know that neither team will give up easily and we look forward to welcoming the Gorseinon players and their supporters.

Amongst other things, Gorseinon is well known for its giant 3M structure, a policy which we could well adapt and take onto the pitch with us today. If we can keep our ‘Minds’, game ‘Management’ and ‘Momentum’ on the field for the eighty minutes, (and not forgetting we’ve got Mangan, Matthew and Mangan!) then a win will surely come. In Tony’s own words, “we are only inches away”.

Thanks to the Ladies Committee for the family Halloween party last night and it’s the turn of the adults tonight, hopefully a good night will be had by all. After today the 1st XV don’t play at home again until the 20th December, but remember that the Youth do have five fixtures at home before Xmas, starting today against Llangennech. To come are Gowerton (22/11), South Gower (29/11), Llandeilo (13/12) and Kidwelly (20/12). Some unusual kick off times in there so check our website for info. Good luck to both teams today.

#AMDANI