Fixture

Ystalyfera RFC | 1st Team 33 - 32 Ammanford RFC | 1st Team
Gareth James
Conversion 3
Luc Caines
Try 2
Steffan Rhys Jones
Try 1
Owen phillips
Try 1

Match Report
09 May 2019 / Team News

Ystalyfera 33 – 32 Ammanford

The final League fixture for Division One West Central Champions Ystalyfera was at home versus Ammanford. Weather wes dry with no wind, the pitch being in perfect condition

Ammanford kicked off up field towards the ‘School’ end, the ball being returned into the away team half of the field. Choosing to quickly run the ball out the line, some smart interplay caught the ‘Fera defence cold and out of position, scrum half Alex Davies being able to run in the first Try under the posts. Kicker Steffan Roberts converted and Ammanford were 0 -7 up in the 2nd minute. From the re-start Ystalyfera got the first scrum and were awarded the first penalty. Gaining a line out in the ‘Changing room’ corner, Ystalyfera moved the ball to the right, winning another penalty for offside. Choosing a scrum the home pack drove forward only for a penalty given away for offside. The visitors broke away, ‘Fera full back Taylor Phillips having to make an effective tackle. Collecting from a scrum Ammanford continued to attack, making a searching kick up field, the Ystalyfera defence rushing a forward pass. Play continued with both sides looking to move the ball only to lose control or give away penalties. In the 15th minute Ammanford were awarded a kickable penalty which Alex Davies converted, score: 0 – 10. Ystalyfera attempted to up the tempo and change the course of the game, but play gradually drifted into the ‘Garage’ corner. Ammanford launched an attack and swinging to the right run in their second Try by wing Jack Westcott, score: 0 – 15. This seemed to wake Ystalyfera up and from the restart a long kick into the ‘tunnel’ corner saw determined work by their back row allowing Captain and number8 Steffan Jones get the first Try in the 24th minute. The Gareth James conversion effort just passed a post:  score 5 – 15. The restart was long and dead, ‘Fera regaining possession from the resulting scrum. The home forwards were now working hard and Ammanford were forced onto the back foot. Pressure was continued with penalties and scrums being awarded to Ystalyfera. In added on time a quick release from a 5m scrum saw wing Luc Caines dart over for the second Try, this converted by Gareth James in the 40+5 minute, half time score 12 – 15.     

Ystalyfera started the second period and Ammanford immediately attempted to catch the ‘Fera asleep again. This time however Ystalyfera stole the ball back and a quickly taken penalty saw a 5m line out for ‘Fera in the ‘Garage’ corner. Winning the ball Ammanford made a long clearance kick, ‘Fera wing Bowdy Davies getting into difficulty. Ammanford won possession and outside half Ryan Williams scored their third Try in the 46th minute. Steffan Roberts converted: score 12 – 22. Ystalyfera had work to do and Taylor Phillips gave his side a good position with a long line kick. Neat line-out play allowed Ystalyfera to run at pace and in the 55th minute, their resourceful wing Luc Caines got his second and the third ‘Fera Try. Gareth James converted seeing the hosts pulling back the lead to 19 – 22. Ystalyfera were now full of purpose with complete attacking plays. A set of powerful scrums close to the Ammanford Try-line saw penalties awarded by the referee, until in the 60th minute a Penalty Try was granted. This gave Ystalyfera the lead for the first time: score 26 – 22. Ammanford were still playing and from the restart made positive moves to gain the advantage.This was rewarded with a penalty by Steffan Roberts in the 70th minute: score 26 – 25. Ystalyfera responded and substitute Andy Jenkins received a severe injury, having to leave the field. A scrum for Ammanford on the home 22 saw the visitors get a penalty which was taken quickly. Scrum half Alex Davies got his second Try and a conversion restored the Ammanford lead at 26 – 32 in the 76th minute. The pace was unrelenting and play progressed in midfield. Winning penalties Ystalyfera ran the ball, until Steffan Castle put the contest into the ‘School’ corner. A catch and drive move saw the ball played out but a pass was dropped close to the Ammanford Try-line. The ball went out for another line-out and this time the catch and drive allowed ‘Fera hooker and stalwart Owen Phillips get the fifth home Try. This was converted by Gareth James for a final score of 33 – 32 to Ystalyfera.

This game was not for the feint hearted and saw a resilient and determined Ystalyfera side gain a hard won victory over a useful Ammanford side that contested until the end.

The Penalty count was 15 for Ystalyfera and 9 for Ammanford.

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