Fixture

This was the first meeting in Cwmllynfell between the home side and Ystalyfera since season 1997-98, back in Division Six Central ‘B’. Cwmllynfell completed the ‘double’ that season, ending as Champions. Their rise up the ladder to Division One followed – Ystalyfera took a different pathand both were now here in Division One South West.

This important bottom of the table fixture was much awaited, the ‘Fera having won the corresponding fixture at Ynysydarren 21 – 17 back in September. With the ignominy of bottom place for the loser and cold, wet slippery conditions, nobody present expected a game of exciting running rugby and so it was. The first half wore on as a test of strength and nerves between the combatants, both sides put in their all and no risks were taken. Cwmllynfell outside-half Rory Morgan-Williams kicked a penalty and in turn Damian James the ‘Fera winger did the same. Ystalyfera lock Jesse Patton scored the important try, he having transferred back to his home team from Cwmllynfell at the end of the previous summer.

The second half played out with more fire from both sides. Cwmllynfell kicked off downhill and set up a drive only for a flanker to be red carded for dangerous play. Ystalyfera in turn made an attack of their own being stopped after a forward pass. In the 46th minute a side tackle by flanker Nathan Astley saw a yellow card against Ystalyfera. The away side were looking more hungry and began moving the ball out to the wings. One such attack was stopped 5 meters from the tryline with a good tackle on Damian James. Ystalyfera forwards were working hard and a series of scrums and penalties kept the game in the home 22. Cwmllynfell attempted to force events closer to the ‘Fera posts but the Ystalyfera side were proving to be more the positive. In the 71st minute a penalty attempt by Damian James hit a post and Cwmllynfell knocked the ball on. From the resultant scrum the ball worked out to the blind side wing Josh Jarrett who got the second try in the corner. Damian slipped in the mud when taking the conversion attempt but only two minutes later a drop goal effort by himself again hit a post. The game was all Ystalyfera now and in the 78th minute a penalty for offside was kicked by Damian for a final score of 3 – 16.

The game was hard played by both sides and its importance was not lost on anybody present.

Ystalyfera held their nerve and deserved the win for their greater want and determination.